Our History
What is a Conservation District?
CD's are non-regulatory, locally-led special purpose districts. They are community-based hubs of natural resource expertise and funding, empowering people to care for their natural resources through their own land management decisions using science based best practices & financial assistance.
After the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s, there was a national recognition of the need to conserve our natural resources. To combat the erosion crisis a bill to establish a permanent agency for soils passed unanimously. Letters were sent across the US urging governors to create soil districts locally. It was understood that they needed people who knew the land, the local concerns and the famers needs to be successful. States committed to Hugh Hammond Bennet’s vision of restoring our countries farmland and the number of Districts grew, now resting at over 3,000.
The Skagit Conservation District has served the county since 1942. We have a reputation for putting conservation on the ground, meeting the current needs of our people, while planning for future generations. Our programs reduce soil erosion, help dairies achieve nutrient management standards, enhance wildlife habitat, establish riparian zones, assist in shellfish protection, and educate local citizens about our watersheds.
W-742-9. 3/27/52. Supervisors of Skagit Soil Conservation District. Left to right --Jess Knutzen, Director of the State Association; Albert Gerriets, Vice Chairman; James T. Ovenell, Chairman; W. James Wylie, Secretary-Treasurer; and W. E. Jennings, member. Photo by A. F. Harms