What do we do?
The Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Commission provides leadership and assistance for natural resource conservation programs throughout the state. The Commission provides support and services to local conservation districts, landowners and land users to conserve, sustain, improve and enhance Idaho’s natural resources through non-regulatory and science-based technical assistance, financial incentive programs, and educational programs.
The Commission seeks to strengthen and expand conservation districts and locally-led natural resource conservation while maintaining the flexibility to anticipate new challenges. Through agreements with local, state and federal conservation partners, the Commission strives to provide the highest level of professional, reliable and ethical assistance in a manner deserving of the public trust.
FY 2012-2016 Strategic Plan
FY 2012 Performance Measurement Report
Our Vision
Conservation in Idaho reflects locally-led natural resource conservation leadership and priorities, is voluntary and incentive-based, non-regulatory, and demonstrates scientifically sound stewardship. The Commission and local conservation districts are the primary entities to lead coordinated conservation efforts to provide landowners and land-users with assistance and solutions for natural resource concerns and issues.
Our Mission
To facilitate coordinated non-regulatory, voluntary, and locally-led conservation by federal, state, and local governments including Idaho’s conservation districts and other partners to conserve, sustain, improve, and enhance soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources.
Our Philosophy
- Satisfy legislative intent and statute
- Benefit the environment and Idaho’s agricultural-based economy
- Benefit conservation districts’ locally led, voluntary, non-regulatory priorities and projects
- Benefit the Commission’s ability to serve
- Promote fiscal responsibility
- Strengthen existing and build new conservation partnerships
- Incorporate valid scientific data and practices
What is a Local Conservation District?
Conservation Districts are dedicated to conserving renewable resources and using sound management practices. They promote clean water and productive soils. Districts strive to ensure that decisions on conservation problems are made at the local level by local people and channel expertise from all levels of government into action. With the exception of some incorporated cities, portions of the Idaho National Laboratory, and tribal lands, all private, state and federal land in Idaho lies within a district.
District Activities Include:
- Serve as the local management agency for agricultural nonpoint source water quality activities as identified in the Idaho Agricultural Pollution Abatement Plan.
- Assisting private landowners with the conservation, management, and treatment of natural resources.
- Provide outreach, education and information on water quality and natural resource concerns.
- Conduct surveys, investigations, and research on the condition of natural resources for conservation, development, and proper use.
- Promote the application of Best Management Practices (BMPs) through education, technical assistance, and financial incentives.
- Sponsor the planning and implementation of state and federally funded projects.
![District Map by Division [jpg]](/images/SWC_office_districtIDupdated_031213.jpg){kind=link}