Who is the Jasper County SWCD?

Your Partner in Soil and Water Conservation. . . Jasper County SWCD

In Indiana, a soil and water conservation district (SWCD) is a unit of state government responsible for soil and water conservation programs within its county boundaries. The district provides a means for all interested people in a county to work together for natural resource conservation and development. It is funded through a variety of sources including county and state appropriations, activities, grants, and private donations.  There is a district office in each county in Indiana. The SWCD belongs to the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and they provide more information on the partnerships needed to be successful in conserving our natural resources.

The official governing body of the SWCD consists of five supervisors. Three are elected (one each year for a three-year term) at an annual meeting of land occupiers held in January or February. Two are appointed (also for staggered three-year terms) by the State Soil Conservation Board based upon recommendations of the leadership in the district. Thus, selection of all five supervisors is based on input from the local people they serve.

Identifying local resource concerns and addressing the needs of the community is a priority for the Jasper County SWCD. This is accomplished by conducting community meetings with the
residents who best know the
natural resource problems. After
priorities are established, the
district looks for ways in which to address the
problems. This may involve developing educational
programs or applying for funding to implement
conservation practices on private lands.

Promoting a Healthy Environment by...

Providing assistance to local residents for reducing
soil erosion, conserving and protecting water quality,
and solving other natural resource problems. Working directly with private landowners and residents, the district coordinates technical assistance to develop plans uniquely suited to their resource concerns. The District also provides information and education outreach to youth and adults, encouraging good stewardship of our natural resources.  Contact the Jasper County SWCD office for more information.

SWCD Board Meetings  

Are held the third Friday of each month at 8:00 a.m. at the USDA Service Center, 211 East Drexel Parkway in Rensselaer. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

SWCD Supervisors & Office Staff

Board of Supervisors
Chairman	Jim Martin
Vice Chair	Dave Rodibaugh
Member	Lana Zimmer
Member	Bruce Shepherd
Member	Curt Bledsoe
SWCD Staff
Jody Wilson, District Coordinator
Dan Perkins, Watershed & Conservation Programs Specialist
USDA NRCS Staff
Dan Fleming, Acting District Conservationist	219-866-8554 ext 120
Indiana State Department of Agriculture
Jordan Seger, Resource Specialist
Conservation Implementation Team
Steve Chapman, Civil Engineer Technician
Todd Bisner, Civil Engineer Technician
Deiter Markland, Civil Engineer Technician	Please call 219-866-8554 x 8
Michaela Stout, Civil Engineer Technician	to contact the members of the
Randy Dickson, Soil Conservationist	Conservation Implementation Team
Ruth Montgomery, Acting Team Leader
Al Tinsley, Wetland Specialist