The Wood Soil and Water Conservation District is celebrating 70 years of conservation in Wood County.
Founded on July 8, 1949 as a result of the “Dust Bowl,” the Wood County Soil Conservation District
joined other districts across the state as the local “boots on the ground” agency.
With the approval of the founding organizers, it was decided that each district name would begin with the
county name followed by Soil Conservation District — each district having its own identity yet, holding
the same mission.
As needs, expectations, and funding sources changed, so did the district’s governing body. In 1964, the
Wood County Soil Conservation District changed to the Wood Soil and Water Conservation District and has
remained so.
Protecting soil and water resources is the core of the districts’ focus. However, in the big picture,
what happens in the local watersheds impacts the land and water beyond the county lines.
The Wood SWCD is the liaison with federal, state and local agencies working for the landowners and
residents of the county. Partnering with the former Soil Conservation Services and now the United States
Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service, acres of conservation practices have
been installed and improved the quality of the land and water.
With years under the leadership of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Soil and Water
Resources, in 2016, with the passage of HB 64, ODNR DSWR was transferred to the Ohio Department of
Agriculture’s newly formed Division of Soil and Water Conservation.
The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservations
Districts serve as a statewide voice for the local districts. Funding for SWCDs is through the county
commissioners, state match, grants, and donations.
All 88 of Ohio’s counties have a district to serve as the locally-driven force for conservation.
The Wood SWCD is governed by an elected board of five supervisors. Volunteers are elected to each serve a
three-year term. Elections are held annually at the Wood SWCD Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet. All
meetings and elections are open to the public. There have been 52 county residents-landowners, farmers
and business owners who have served the district in this capacity.
Through the decades the natural resource concerns remain the same: conserving the resources we have. It
can take over 500 years to form an inch of topsoil — only for it to be washed or blown away in seconds.

Water is a finite resource. There is no more or no less water on the earth than when the earth was
formed. The availability and quality of water is the issue.
By working with landowners and farmers to properly install drainage, provide engineering plans for manure
storage, and manage erosion through properly designed windbreaks, grass waterways, and filter strips,
and establishing wetland areas, the district continues the “boots on the ground” efforts in
conservation.
Conservation education for youth and adults is a key component and large part of the connection to the
community at large. The district staff works with youth in the classroom, hosts workshops for homeowners
and backyard conservationists, consults with landowners on drainage issues, and continues to be the
liaison with other governing agencies for grant dollars and cost share funds.
Being in the heart of the former “Great Black Swamp” is a continuing challenge in Northwest Ohio. Heavy
rains and gusty winds remind us that this was an area filled with marshes, standing forests of hardwood
trees, and an abundance of wildlife all contributing to the rich soil and flat land.
With over 130,000 residents and 600 square miles, Wood County is the second largest county in Ohio and
agriculture is an economic leader in the county.
One thing that remains constant are the staff’s and supervisors’ commitment to local conservation and the
impact on the local and regional area for present and future generations.
As the Wood Soil and Water Conservation Districts takes this year to celebrate 70 years of conservation,
take the opportunity to visit the district office and join the events hosted for both youth and adults.