History of the Fillmore Soil Water Conservation District

The district was organized as a means of obtaining assistance from federal, state and local agencies, that might help in the wise management of soil, water, and other natural resources.  It provides a legal organization through which individual property owners may work together effectively on private or mutual conservation problems.  This organization serves both rural and urban interests in their common problems.  It is recognized that the assistance, including personnel, equipment, and material supplied to the district by a state or federal agency will be furnished in accordance with the agency's applicable authority and policies.  The supervisors further recognize the agency personnel and facilities will be under the administrative jurisdiction of the agency involved.

Since East Fillmore S.W.C.D. was formed in 1940, the third district in Minnesota, there has been an extensive program to protect the soil and water of the county.  Most farmers in the county have been assisted at some time with their conservation problems.  Over half of the farmers in the county today are district cooperators.  Non-cooperators are still receiving assistance through ACP.  The district has been a leader in getting programs established.  Fillmore was one of the first districts in the state to be completely soil mapped.  The published soil survey has been very useful to landowners and units of government.