ABOUT

Our Mission

Our History

Our staff

Conservation Farmers

Come, help us

Nurture the future

Serving our deep roots

Seeds

Looking to attract wildlife and enhance your land’s ecosystem? Try our tailored seed mixes and food plots!

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Trees

We offer a variety of trees and shrubs available for purchase! Whether you’re looking to promote high-quality water or simply enjoy increased aesthetics, we can help.

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Conservation Program Assistance

To improve the quality of your land, we remove sensitive soil and plant species to encourage healthy growth and sustainability.

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No-Till Drill Rental

Looking to minimize erosion, retain water, and preserve soil integrity? Book today!

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Soil Testing

Curious about your soil’s health? We analyze samples for nutrient levels, pH, and other key characteristics.

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Lake Monitoring

Looking to learn more about the health of your lake? We track and study their trophic state.

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Mission & Goals

Mission

To promote, guide, and direct an action program that will result in the efficient conservation of soil and water.

Goal

Through responsible and personalized treatment for all land and soil, we strive to promote sustainable land management practices that optimize productivity, enhance environmental health, and preserve natural resources for future generations.

Our History

On August 10, 1954, a group of local farmers created the Douglas Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) with the purpose of promoting the benefits of responsible land conservation. Since then, SWCD has been known to help landowners and local communities with sustainable practices necessary for maintaining and even improving soil and water resources.

**The SWCD operates as a legal subdivision of the State of Minnesota, established under a charter issued by the Secretary of State on November 12, 1946. Our operations are overseen by an elected board of five supervisors, who govern and direct the district’s activities.

our Supervisors and Staff

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) are political subdivisions of the State. Supervisors serve four year staggered terms; generally, two or three of an SWCD’s five supervisors are up for election every two years. As local elected officials, the SWCD Board of Supervisors appear on the November ballot as a nonpartisan office.

SWCD boards set overall policy and long-term objectives for their district and work with the SWCD staff to see that policies and plans are implemented. Douglas County is divided into five “supervisor nomination districts” to ensure the land and water issues across the geographic distribution are conveyed.

Back Row (L-R)

Mike Cleary, Treasurer
Townships: Millerville, Brandon, Moe, and Holmes City
Rod Froeming
Townships: Leaf Valley, Ida, La Grande, Lake Mary
Bill Dropik, Secretary
Towhships: Miltona, Carlos, Alexandria, Hudson

Front Row (L-R)

Paul Barsness, Chairman
Townships: Lund, Evansville, Urness, Solem
Ken Rutten, Employee Relations & Vice – Chairman
Townships: Spruce Hill, Belle River, Osakis, Orange

Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Staff

Jerry Haggenmiller

District Coordinator

Starla Arceneau

District Secretary

Andy rice

Project Coordinator

jessica albertsen

Education Outreach Coordinator

Ian Olson

Conservation Planner

Kasey Jenc

Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist

Danielle Anderson

Water Planner | Land Use Technician

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Staff

Cory Walker

Conservation Service Team Leader

Cole Montgomary

District Conservationist

Alison Guzik

Range Management Specialist

Seasonal Service

Feature

Enhance your land’s vitality this season with our specialized seed mixing service. By combining a variety of seeds tailored to your soil’s unique needs, we ensure robust growth and sustainable conservation. Contact us today to nurture a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.

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