Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) are located in every county of the state. We help Indiana residents to conserve land, water, forests, wildlife, and related natural resources that encompass our state’s 23 million acres. Cooperation with the SWCD is voluntary.
A Soil and Water Conservation District is a legal subdivision of State Government. The District is responsible for leadership in the conservation of soil, water and related natural resources within its county boundaries.
It is an independent body formed under and subject only to the Indiana Soil and Water Conservation District Law. The Lake County SWCD was organized by landowners in 1944.
The District works with local, state and national governmental agencies, as well as various other groups, associations, clubs, individual landowners, and many others to fulfill its responsibilities. The district’s primary function is the encouragement of and assistance in the wise use of our natural resources through best management practices.
Five supervisors, three elected by the landowners in the District and two appointed by the State Soil Conservation Board, oversee the District program. The Lake County SWCD also utilizes associate supervisors to fulfill its role.
The Lake County SWCD has an ever-widening array of responsibilities for conservation and development of the county’s soil, water and related natural resources. In carrying out these responsibilities, the District receives assistance from many related agencies, organizations and groups.
Through the District, people are better able to organize and coordinate their efforts towards obtaining technical and financial assistance from the state and federal agencies that specialize in natural resource use and development. The USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Division of Soil Conservation are principle sources of assistance to the District. The primary function of these agencies is to provide technical assistance to the District.
In addition to providing technical assistance to landowners, the districts other primary service is to inform and educate. The District accomplishes this by sponsoring field days, educational meetings, workshops, hosting tours, and making presentations to schools, groups and organizations, as well as working one on one with the public.
Our Mission
The mission of Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District is to provide leadership and assistance in the proper use and management of soil, water and related natural resources.
Monthly Board Meeting
Our monthy board meeting is the second Thursday of each month at 4:30pm at the Lake County SWCD Office. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Due to conflicting schedules, the meeting date does occasionally change.