Wadena Soil & Water Conservation District
Established in 1958, the Wadena Soil & Water Conservation District was organized by local farmers, with help from the Agricultural Extension Service.
File Before June 2nd to Run for SWCD Supervisor
Individuals concerned about water quality and soil erosion in Wadena County should consider filing by June 2nd to run for the position of Supervisor of the Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
“Supervisors play an important role in how our community deals with a wide variety of resource management issues, including wetlands, water quality, soil erosion, ground water, and forestry,” noted Darren Newville, District Manager with the Wadena SWCD. “Serving as a supervisor is a terrific opportunity for people who want a voice in how we manage our environment,” he said.
This year, the SWCD has three Supervisor positions up for election. SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election which will take place November 3rd, 2026. Candidates are elected county wide but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election. These include Nominating District I, which includes Aldrich and Thomastown Townships, of which Ken Berg currently serves, Nominating District II, which includes Leaf River and Wadena Townships, of which Brett Dailey currently serves, and Nominating District III, which includes Bullard, Lyon and Wing River Townships, of which Jerry Kern currently serves. SWCD Supervisors serve four-year terms.
Supervisors meet monthly to discuss the business of the SWCD, including state grant allocations to landowners, district conservation priorities, coordination with other local units of government and state agencies, and legislative priorities. Supervisors do not receive a salary, although they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.
Those interested in running for Supervisor should file at the County Auditor’s office from May 19th through June 2nd, 2026.
Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment
On November 4th, 2008, Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment to the state constitution. The Amendment increases the sales and use tax rate by three-eighths of one percent, starting July 1, 2009 and continuing through 2034.
Amendment dollars are dedicated to four funds:
- Outdoor Heritage Fund
- Parks and Trails Fund
- Cultural Heritage Fund
- Clean Water Fund
Local Soil and Water Conservation District offices may apply for money from the Clean Water Fund to fund local projects. The Clean Water Fund was created to:
- Protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater
- Protect drinking water sources
The Clean Water Funds are distributed through the Board of Soil and Water Resources (BWSR). BWSR grants provide the funding to local units of government to deliver soil and water conservation services to their communities. Grant funds support and increase local capacity to implement programs and provide cost-share to landowners who install conservation practices on the land to benefit state water and soil resource.
The Legacy Logo identifies projects funded by the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
