Local individuals concerned about water quality and soil erosion should consider filing for a position on the Freeborn County SWCD Board. Like other public offices here in the county, filings for three supervisor positions will be accepted now until June 5.

Supervisors play an important role in how our community deals with a wide variety of soil and water resource issues including wetlands, surface water quality, soil erosion and flood control.

Serving as a SWCD supervisor is an opportunity for an individual to have a voice in how we manage our environment.

SWCDs are special purpose units of government who manage and direct conservation programs.

An elected board of five supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 91 Soil & Water Conservation Districts.

This year Freeborn County SWCD has three supervisor positions that have individual terms expiring on December 31. These supervisors represent nomination districts and candidates must reside in one of these nomination districts in order to be eligible to file. Maps of these districts are available in our SWCD Office, at the County Auditors Office or on our SWCD web site. Nomination Districts No. 1, 2 and 5 have individual terms that are expiring. Although candidates must reside in one of these districts to file, they’re voted on in November by the entire county electorate “at large.”

Supervisors meet monthly to discuss the business of the SWCD. This includes setting policy and priorities and taking official action on cost share contracts or other items of business that may come before the board. They do not receive a salary but are compensated for meetings attended and related expenses incurred.

Anyone interested in more information regarding these positions is encouraged to visit our web site www.freebornswcd.orq or call our office at 373-5607 extension 3. Candidates must be eligible voters and file between May 22 and June 5 at the county auditor’s office.