FILE BETWEEN MAY 22 – JUNE 5, 2012 TO RUN FOR SWCD SUPERVISOR

Individuals concerned about water quality and soil erosion in Redwood County should consider filing by June 5^th to run for the position of Supervisor of the Redwood Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

“Supervisors plan an important role in how our community deals with a wide variety of resource management issues, including wetlands, water quality, soil erosion, and impaired waters,” noted Marilyn Bernhardson, District Administrator with the Redwood SWCD.

“Serving as a supervisor is a terrific opportunity for people who want a voice in how we manage our environment,” she said.

SWCDs are special purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs, such as the state Cost-Share Program and the Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) Program.  An elected board of Supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 90 SWCDs.

This year, the Redwood SWCD has three (3) Supervisor positions up for election.  SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election which will take place November 6^th, 2012.  Candidates are elected county wide, but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election.  These include Nomination District 4 which encompasses these townships: Underwood, Vesta, Westline, Granite Rock and Vail.  Nomination District 3 which encompasses these townships:  Paxton, Sherman, Three Lakes, Morgan, Sundown and Brookville.  And Nomination District 2 which encompasses these townships:  New Avon, Waterbury, Willow Lake, Lamberton, and Charlestown.  SWCD Supervisors serve four year terms.

Supervisors meet monthly to discuss the business of the SWCD, including state grant allocation to landowners, district conservation priorities, coordination with other local units of government and state agencies, and legislative priorities.  Supervisors do not receive a salary, although they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses. 

Those interested in running for Supervisor should file at the County Auditor’s office from May 22^nd through June 5^th, 2012.  Additional information about the SWCD can be obtained by visiting our website at www.redwoodswcd.org, by calling the office at (507) 637-2427 Ext. 3 or stopping in at the office at 1241 East Bridge Street in Redwood Falls. 

Trees and Shrubs Available for Conservation Plantings

The Redwood Soil and Water Conservation District again   has trees and shrubs available for your 2012 conservation plantings (e.g., shelterbelts, farm groves, windbreaks, living snowfences, and wildlife plantings). 

Contact the Redwood SWCD to place an order at  (507) 637-2427 x.3, or stop in the office for more details.