Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in Minnesota have a rich history tied to the broader movement for soil and water conservation in the United States. Their formation was driven by the agricultural challenges of the early 20th century, particularly the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, which highlighted the need for soil conservation practices. 

In 1935, President Roosevelt established the Soil Conservation Service (now the NRCS) to work on addressing soil erosion.  By the late 1930s, states began creating local conservation districts to allow landowners and farmers a structure which through which they could coordinate conservation efforts. Today, Minnesota's 88 SWCDs play a critical role in conservation efforts.  They work with farmers, landowners, and communities to manage soil health, water quality, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.

Over the decades, SWCDs in Minnesota have expanded their focus from solely soil erosion to broader natural resource management. This includes groundwater protection, wetland conservation, forestry management, and addressing water quality concerns in lakes, rivers, and streams.  Cass SWCD works with other SWCDs to develop policy and maintain a results oriented relationship with our partners and legislators through the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.