Our Mission

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To foster natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship in White County through leadership, service, and citizen involvement, our mission is to:

• Assess natural resource conditions and identify resource concerns
• Provide technical assistance recommending best management practices and installation of conservation practices
• Provide education through the delivery of conservation programs and services to individuals, groups, organizations, and local governments.
• Provide informational resources for the community to increase the public’s knowledge of and involvement in natural resource issues and solutions.

Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) are governmental subdivisions of the state of Indiana. They are local self-governing organizations which promote the protection of soils from erosion and the conservation of water. In Indiana we have 92 Soil & Water Conservation Districts, one for each county. Each district is administered by a local board of five supervisors. Three of the supervisors are elected and two are appointed.  

A district is legally responsible for soil and water conservation within its boundaries. It has the important function of providing direction to and making policy for guiding governmental agencies and public organizations which assist the district and its cooperators in solving soil and water problems.

The White County District was organized through a public referendum held in 1951 in accordance with the Indiana Soil Conservation Act to conserve soil and water resources, control and prevent soil erosion, protect water quality, reduce flood damage, and further the conservation development, use, and disposal of water.

The White County Soil and Water Conservation District strives to make natural resources as economically viable and environmentally healthy as possible by equipping residents with knowledge, financial resources, and motivation to make White County a great place to live and work.

Provides technical assistance to the community to implement conservation measures related to soil erosion and sedimentation, nutrient and pesticide application, streambank stabilization, buffers and waterway protection needed, lawn fertilizer and pesticide contamination, wildlife habitat loss and fragmentation, and stormwater runoff.

Brings federal, state, and private dollars to White County to assist landowners with implementation costs and technical assistance.

Conducts research and assessments to identify problems and solutions to protect the environment, economy, and community.

Works with local agencies and groups to address watershed-wide natural resource concerns and opportunities.

Educates residents through public speaking, workshops, printed materials, and public media.