SWCD Board :
SWCD Board Meetings:
The Stearns County SWCD Board meeting is typically the 2nd Tuesday of each month. The meetings usually begins at 9:00 a.m. in the USDA Conference Room (suite 126 or 128), Marketplace, 110 Second Street South, Waite Park, MN 56387. You can verify meeting dates on the Events Calendar.
In the event that the meeting time/date change due to unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather, 72 hour notice will be made for updated meeting information. Please see the Events Calendar or call the Stearns County SWCD @ 320-251-7800 Ext. 3 for meeting time confirmation.

The 2021-2022 Stearns County SWCD Supervisors (left to right):
Tom Gregory (Area 5), Kenneth Schefers (Area 3), Matt Bruyette (Area 4), Arlyn Lawrenz (Area 2), Chuck Uphoff (Area 1)
SWCD Supervisor Contact Information:
Kenneth Schefers (Area 3)
Secretary/Treasurer
Paynesville
area3.stearnscountyswcd@gmail.com
Term Expires 2024
Matt Bruyette (Area 4)
Chair
Cold Spring
320-249-9809
area4.stearnscountyswcd@gmail.com
Term Expires 2024

What does it take to be a soil and water conservation District Supervisor?
Soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) are special purpose units of government that manage natural resource programs. Minnesota's 90 SWCDs cover the entire state; their boundaries usually coincide with the county lines. Each SWCD is run by a board of five elected Supervisors.
To be a Supervisor, you need:
Knowledge:
Supervisors must have - or be willing to learn - some basic knowledge to effectively carry out their responsibilities. They must understand:
· some of the fundamentals about the environment and how it works
· the relationship between land use decisions and the environment
· the effect environmental decisions have on other aspects of our lives
· local concerns, attitudes and needs
Concern:
Supervisors must be concerned about:
· our environment and natural resources
· maintaining and improving water quality
· protecting our soil
Leadership:
Supervisors must be willing to take an active leadership role in the community. This can involve:
· setting local conservation priorities
· educating friends and neighbors about the environment
· working with other local government units, state and federal agencies, and other elected officials
· setting a positive example
· taking unpopular stands
· balancing economic needs with environmental concerns
· sacrificing short-term gains for long-term benefits