This year 300 Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners will be elected in 100 districts throughout Iowa. These elected officials have been working with voluntary, private land conservation in Iowa since as early as 1939. SWCD Commissioners help guide soil and water conservation programs in the district and watersheds, identify local issues and concerns, and influence state and national conservation programs. SWCDs work closely with a number of local, state, and federal agencies, particularly the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship-Division of Soil Conservation and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

This is a great opportunity to become involved in environmental work at the local level. The Iowa SWCD is an effective tool utilized to improve soil and water quality. Five commissioners, elected in general elections on a non-partisan basis for four-year terms, govern each district. If you are an eligible elector residing in the soil and water conservation district, you're eligible to be a candidate for election to your county’s SWCD board.

Nomination forms, including a petition, are available in the County Auditor’s office. At least 25 eligible voters must sign the petition. Remember to file it with the Auditor’s office by the August 25th, 2008, 4:30 p.m. deadline in order to be on the ballot in November. Only one person per township within a district can be represented on the district board. To obtain more information, contact the Mahaska County Soil & Water Conservation District or the Mahaska County Auditor. Mahaska County SWCD has three commissioner terms expiring.