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