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The first SWCD in Minnesota - the Burns-Homer-Pleasant district, later renamed the Winona SWCD - was created in 1938 in response to the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. Also known as the “dirty thirties,” intensive farming during a time of drought allowed high winds to erode the landscape and carry clouds of dust from the Great Plains all the way to Washington, D.C. Districts were subsequently developed across the country to encourage landowners to alter their farming techniques in order to more wisely use our soil and water resources. Over the years, soil and water conservation districts expanded their focuses beyond agriculture to also provide assistance in forested, lakes and urban areas of their communities. Districts have also expanded their base of clientele to include not only private landowners, but also other units of government such as counties, cities, townships and watershed districts.
The Isanti Soil and Water Conservation District is a local unit of government in Isanti County, MN, Dedicated to soil and water conservation. Our mission, to provide technical, financial and educational resources in order to implement practices and projects that preserve, protect and enhance water quality, soil and other natural resources is governed by the State law and the Soil and Water conservation Policy 103C.005 as described below. The Isanti SWCD was established in 1963 by petition of the citizens of Isanti County.
Prior to 2013 the SWCD focused on assistance with Farm Bill related activities including providing planting assistance with for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). The SWCD also focused on promotion of no-till cropping, The States Reinvest in MN (RIM) Conservation easement program, and the annual tree sale.
Our current projects focus on... Need to write - water quality, buffers, reducing erosion, tree sale...