People concerned about water quality and soil health in Rice County should consider filing by June 4, 2024, to run for the position of supervisor of the Rice 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, and habitat restoration,” noted Richard Peterson, District Supervisor with the Rice SWCD. “Serving as a supervisor is a terrific opportunity for people who want a voice in how we manage our environment,” he added.
SWCDs are special purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs, such as the State Cost-Share Program and the ReInvest in Minnesota (RIM) Wetland Program. An elected board of supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 88 SWCDs.
This year, the Rice SWCD has three supervisor positions up for election. SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election which will take place November 5, 2024. Candidates are elected county-wide but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election. These include District 1 (Townships of Wheatland, Webster, Erin, and Forest), District 2 (Townships of Shieldsville, Wells, Morristown, and Warsaw), and District 4 (Townships of Bridgewater and Northfield). SWCD supervisors serve four-year terms.
SWCD 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 Rice County Property Tax and Elections office from May 21 through June 4, 2024. Additional information about the Rice SWCD can be found online at www.riceswcd.org or by calling the office at 507-332-5408. For more information about filing, visit the website below.
www.ricecountymn.gov/566/Elections
The Rice Soil and Water Conservation District is a subdivision of state government. It is overseen by a five member board of supervisors elected countywide to represent the soil and water conservation needs of the county. The board of supervisors make policy decisions, approve cost-share contracts, and promote soil and water conservation. The mission of the Rice Soil and Water Conservation District is: "To assist land users in the management and conservation of our soil and water resources by means of educational, financial, and technical assistance." Learn more about the District at our website: www.riceswcd.org.
