Seats are available on county’s SWCD

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There are only a few days left to file for open positions on the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation board. Those interested in influencing state and county conservation practices have to file for their candidacy by July 15.

On November 4, voters will elect three people to the SWCD board including the District 2 seat which represents the cities of Farmington, Apple Valley, Coates, Lakeville, Rosemount, and Empire Township.

Currently Marian Brown of Apple Valley holds the seat. At a Rosemount City Council meeting she said she will run again for the position.

The other positions up for election are District 4 and District 5. The District 4 seat represents the city of Northfield along with the townships of Castle Rock, Eureka, Greenvale, Sciota and Waterford. The District 5 seat represents the cities of Hampton, Miesville, New Trier, Randolph along with the townships of Douglas, Hampton and Randolph.

SWCD district manager Brian Watson said the Dakota County SWCD is a special purpose group that manages and directs natural resource programs. There are 91 SWCDs that cover the state. Most follow county lines.

In Dakota County the SWCD is split into five districts with one supervisor elected for each. Supervisors serve four year terms.

SWCD board members determine how a wide variety of environmental issues are addressed. Watson said the board deals with issues regarding wetlands, water quality, soil erosion and storm water.

“I really encourage people with an interest to run,” said Watson.

The board meets once a month. In addition there are a number of committees board members can sit on. Board supervisors receive $65 a meeting. In addition they receive compensation for gas mileage.

Any resident of legal voting age residing in the nomination district in which a vacancy exists is eligible to run. Those who would like to run need to file a Minnesota Affidavit of Candidacy which is available through the Dakota County Election and Voter Registration Department. It costs $20 to file.

Watson said everyone in the county votes for each of the SWCD seats. However, only people living in the districts with open seats can run for election.

For more information on the Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District or the upcoming election visit www.dakotacountyswcd.org or call 651-480-7777. Candidate filing information can be found at Dakota County’s website www.co.dakota.mn.us or by calling 651-438-4380.

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