Frequently Asked Questions

Soil and Water Conservation Districts are the local legal subdivisions of state government responsible under state law for soil and water conservation work within their boundaries.  Iowa Code Chapter 161A.3 defines a “District” or “Soil and Water Conservation District” as a “governmental subdivision of this state, and a public body corporate and politic, organized for the purposes, with the powers, and subject to the restrictions in this chapter set forth.”  Districts promote protection, maintenance, improvement, and wise use of the soil and water within the district.

You can get involved in the SWCD by attending our monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at 9 AM. Meetings are held at 1524 Fawcett Pkwy Nevada, IA 50201. There are opportunities to become an assistant commissioner for the district, which does not hold any voting power. Commissioners serve four-year terms and a portion of the group are up for election every two years, which gives another opportunity for interested individuals to get involved as an elected official.

Meetings are held monthly on the third Wednesday of the month at 9AM. They are held at 1524 Fawcett Pkwy Nevada, IA 50201.

You can support our efforts by sharing the programs and services we offer with others. This includes financial and technical assistance to farmers and landowners in Story County. This also includes educating Story County residents, including children, on the importance of soil and water conservation.

The Soil and Water Conservation District or individuals serving as commissioners do not have any powers of enforcement on soil health or water quality. The district serves as a group to encourage voluntary conservation practices on farms. To learn more about Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Iowa, review the legislative document 161A.7. 

Please find the federal cost-share and state cost-share information  in the farmer assistance tab to learn more about the cost-share programs available in Story County. If you have further questions, please call, email, or visit our office. 

The Soil and Water Conservation District is a partner organization of NRCS, but not the same organization/agency. NRCS is a federal agency through the U.S. Department of Agriculture while we are an organization that is authorized by the State of Iowa.

We can provide copies of any tile maps that are filed under your name. You are not, however, required to have tile maps on file in the NRCS office so what we provide might not be all inclusive. You are welcome to drop off any new or old tile maps you have for us to store for you. 

If you are not listed on the FSA-578 form the landowner would be required to fill out a Release of Information form that would allow you to have access to information that the other party gives permission for you to view.