Created in 1937 as part of the New Deal, there are currently 58 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the state of Florida. The law was based on federal model legislation to establish Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD’s) nationwide. Soil and Water Conservation Districts were originally organized – for the most part – within county boundaries by petition and based upon a need for soil and water conservation and in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts originally represented small-scale farms by reporting soil and water needs to the government. A great deal of importance into soil erosion and water conservation is emphasized as agriculture will always be part of the Florida economy. Conservation and safety of the beaches that make up a great deal of our tourism dollars are a direct consequence of the Soil and Water Conservation District, as is their role in the community as environmental advocates and educators.
The governing body of a Soil and Water Conservation District consists of five elected Supervisors. The office of a Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor is nonpartisan and generally countywide. Candidates are elected in a general election to a 4-year term. Vacancies are filled by appointment by the remaining Supervisors until the next regular election. Supervisors receive no monetary compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.
A Soil and Water Conservation District so organized constitutes a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida. Although it does not levy taxes or have the means to enforce land use laws, they work with agencies, individuals and local businesses to promote best natural resource management practices and conserve the environment.
“Many Floridians are totally unaware of exactly what Soil and Water Conservation Districts are,” former Plantation councilman and past Broward Republican party Chairman Rico Petrocelli told South Florida Reporter. “In fact, you will find very little information available on Google as to this political entity.”
All Soil and Water Conservation Districts have a District Conservationist appointed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and an agent of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Agricultural Water Policy (FDACS-OAWP). Some districts may also appoint Associate Supervisors, Coordinators, District Secretaries, and/or other staff. Each district is a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida and receives funding from a variety of sources including county funding, grants, contracts for services, sales and donations.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts thrive on developing partnerships with other governmental or conservation organizations. Each district develops partnerships with the area Water Management District and Resource Conservation and Development Council. These partnerships are beneficial to the community as the organizations work together for the common goal of protecting and preserving local resources.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) administer the soil and water conservation programs assigned to it by the Legislature under the Soil and Water Conservation Law, Chapter 582, Florida Statutes. The Department’s Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP), headquartered in Tallahassee, has field staff located around the state who work directly with the Districts as their FDACS liaisons. Some of the programs with which FDACS coordinates with Districts include BMP implementation and cost share programs, mobile irrigation labs (MILs), and public land management.
The Broward Water and Soil Conservation District was established in 1973 as a result of a petition seeking such to the State of Florida. In an effort to execute on the interests of the citizens of Broward County to secure funding through local, state or federal resources, Supervisors of the district have addressed numerous environmental and conservation issues throughout its existence. In recent years, the Broward Water and Soil Conservation District has been behind the dune restoration in Hallandale Beach, a project for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which was completed through grant funding, in addition to educational efforts on water conservation throughout Broward County.
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Broward Soil and Water Conservation District is:
The Broward Soil and Water Conservation District (BSWCD) is a political subdivision of the State of Florida created to implement Chapter 582 Florida Statutes, in general for the purpose of “conservation of natural resources, preserve wildlife, protect lands of the state and protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the State of Florida.” The BSWCD promotes leadership in the conservation of natural resources through stewardship and education programs.
“Although the Broward Soil and Water Conservation District has five Supervisors, only two are up for election in 2016,” indicated attorney and former Broward Republican Party Chairman Richard DeNapoli. “These elective offices are typically found at the end of the ballot in most counties.”
