The Creation of the Soil and Water Conservation Districts
As a result of devastation caused by the 1930’s Dust Bowl, U.S. Congress declared soil and water conservation a national policy and priority. Over 3000 local districts across the U.S. were established to address conservation concerns, serving as liaisons between the federal government and local landowners. Okeechobee Soil and Water Conservation District (OSWCD) was organized in 1951 under the provisions of the Florida Conservation Act of 1937 and amended by the Soil Conservation Act Florida Chapter 582. OSWCD is one of 58 districts established in Florida. Each of these districts are governed by a board of five, elected nonpartisan supervisors, who prioritize and aid in the implementation of services provided by our government to our local landowners.

The Mission of the Conservation Districts
As a sub agency of the State, OSWCD is responsible for developing and carrying out locally-led agricultural programs for the conservation, protection, and development of soil, water and related plant and animal resources within the district boundaries.

Services
• Provide technical assistance with conservation planning and best management practice implementation
• Partner with state and federal governments to provide environmental incentive programs to landowners
• Environmental education
• Serve as a fiscal agent for the FL Dept. of Agriculture Office of Agricultural Water Policy

FY 18 Accomplishments
• Entered into cost share agreements with 78 agricultural producers with Notice of Intents and 1 county government in the Northern Everglades
Estuary Protection Area covering 231,724 acres
• Administered over $4.87 million in state BMP (Best Management Practices) cost share funds
• Assisted the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with 5 new federal obligations of $208,765 encompassing 531 acres
• Assisted with managing 31 existing Farm Bill Program contracts with $2.1 million in obligations covering 44,522 acres
• Provided land evaluation opportunities that aid with students’ understanding of soil interactions
• Recycled 80 pounds of monofilament fishing line collected from local boat ramps and tackle shops
• Conducted soil erosion demonstrations to over 565 4th grade students during Okeechobee County Ag-Venture
• Served as the Okeechobee County liaison for the Indian River Lagoon Regional Envirothon
• Maintained social media and website with updates on conservation and funding opportunities