What We Do
History
In 1937, the Florida Legislature enacted Chapter 582, Florida Statutes (F.S.), Soil and Water Conservation. The legislation established a state and local partnership with the federal government to protect and restore soil and water resources and to assist private landowners in using conservation practices.
This partnership has worked for more than seventy years to address serious issues with regard to soil erosion, flood damage, and water quality. The vehicles for this partnership are the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), which have statutory authorities ranging from project demonstration to land use regulation.
Since the inception of Chapter 582, Florida has established other state and regional government agencies to manage and protect our land and water resources, and to regulate water supply, water quality and flood control. These agencies are the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Five Water Management Districts (WMDs) and the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Each department has broad authority and responsibilities that are similar to those outlined in the Soil and Conservation law.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Soil and water conservation districts were originally organized, for the most part, within county boundaries by landowner petition based on need for soil and water conservation and in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare. A soil and water conservation district so organized constitutes a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida.
Supervisors
The governing body of a soil and water conservation district consists of five elected supervisors. The office of a soil and water conservation district supervisor is nonpartisan and district wide. Candidates are elected in a general election to a 4-year term. Vacancies are filled by appointment by the remaining supervisors until the next regular election. Supervisors receive no monetary compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.
Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities
The powers of SWCDs and supervisors are quite broad, and relate to the development and implementation of soil and water conservation practices on private lands. Florida Statutes 582.20 and 582.21 delineate the special powers provided to each SWCD.
Clay Soil and Water Conservation was formed on October 24, 1949 through Petition/State Soil Conservation Board Resolution and General law. It was established under Chapter 582, Florida statutes.