Meet the Candidates for SWCD Board

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This year, the Rice Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) has two Supervisor positions up for election.  SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election which will take place on November 8, 2022.

Candidates are elected countywide,* but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election.  The nominating districts and candidates running for election to the Rice SWCD Board this year include:

  • Roger Bongers, running for District 3 (Townships of Cannon City, Wheeling, Walcott, Richland). From the candidate:  “I am running for a position on the Soil and Water Conservation District Board to do my part in keeping our rivers clean and our topsoil in place. I grew up on a small farm along the Cannon River and now farm the rolling hills on both sides of that river. For the last few years, I have used no-till farming and cover crops to keep the soil in place and out of the river. I hope to bring my positive experiences to the table to help others maintain healthy soil and clean water for the future.”
  • Richard Peterson, running for District 5 (City of Faribault). From the candidate:  “I am running for re-election for the Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor representing District 5. During my 36-year career as a natural resource professional and my two terms as SWCD Supervisor, I have seen the many benefits of good stewardship with regards to our natural resources.  Soil and water are two of the most basic and important of our natural resources. The SWCD's locally-based, boots-on-ground approach of providing sound information, technical services, and incentive programs to area farmers, landowners, and residents helps ensure the healthy future for these critical resources. My goal, if elected, is to continue to support and strengthen our mission of working locally to enhance, manage, and conserve our soil, water, and other natural resources.”

    SWCDs are special-purpose units of government that manage and direct natural resource management programs at the local level.  Districts work in both urban and rural settings to carry out a program for the conservation, use, and development of soil, water, and related resources.  SWCD Supervisors serve four-year terms and meet monthly, discussing the business of the SWCD, distributing state grant allocations to landowners, setting conservation priorities, and coordinating conservation efforts with other local units of government and state agencies.  SWCD Supervisors are not paid a salary; however, they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.

    To learn more about the SWCD, please visit our website at www.riceswcd.org.

    Remember to vote for SWCD Supervisor at the November 8th Election.