WADENA — Individuals concerned about water quality and soil erosion in Wadena County should consider filing by May 31 to run for the position of supervisor of the Wadena Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
“Supervisors play an important role in how our community deals with a wide variety of resource management issues, including wetlands, water quality, soil erosion, ground water, and forestry,” noted Darren Newville, District Manager with the Wadena SWCD. “Serving as a supervisor is a terrific opportunity for people who want a voice in how we manage our environment,” he said.
SWCDs are special purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs, such as the state Cost-Share Program and forestry management programs. An elected board of Supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 88 SWCDs.
This year, the SWCD has two Supervisor positions up for election. SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election which will take place November 8. Candidates are elected county wide but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election. These include Nominating District I, which includes Aldrich and Thomastown Townships, of which Ken Berg currently serves, Nominating District II, which includes Leaf River and Wadena Townships, of which Brett Dailey currently serves, and Nominating District III, which includes Bullard, Lyon and Wing River Townships, of which Nancy Benson currently serves. Nancy has informed the Board that she will not be seeking reelection.
SWCD supervisors serve four-year terms. Supervisors meet monthly to discuss the business of the SWCD, including state grant allocations to landowners, district conservation priorities, coordination with other local units of government and state agencies, and legislative priorities. Supervisors do not receive a salary, although they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.
Those interested in running for supervisor should file at the County Auditor’s office from May 17 - May 31. Additional information about the SWCD can be found online at www.wadenaswcd.org or by calling the office at (218) 632-4201.
