Background
A Soil and Water Conservation District ("SWCD") is an independent, legal subdivision of state government, funded by state, local and private contributions. They are responsible for administering the natural resource management programs for the county in which they are located. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) serves as a technical advisor to each SWCD as well as sharing resources such as office space, vehicles and equipment. There are 92 conservation districts in Indiana. The Hancock County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a local unit of state government responsible for the conservation and development of our soil, water, and related natural resources through education, public information, leadership, technical  assistance, and development of innovative programs. It was organized on May 24, 1954. 

Meetings
Come see what we do! The public is encouraged to attend our monthly board meetings, held at 11:00 am or 7:30 pm on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Occasionally, we will move the time up or back to accommodate other district business. To find out about this month's meeting, please call Cindy Newkirk at 317-462-2283 Ext 3.  For the date of next monthly Board Meeting and a list of other upcoming district activities please check our SWCD Calendar.

Organizational Structure of the Hancock Co SWCD
The SWCD is governed by a Board of Supervisors (see below) made up of five (5) non-paid Hancock County residents.  Three are elected by landowners in the county and two are appointed by the State Soil Conservation Board, upon recommendation of the local SWCD.  Elected Supervisors are selected at our Annual Meeting. Hancock County also has five volunteer Associate Supervisors (see below) who complete the Board of the SWCD and are selected to assist the Board, but they do not have voting power.  They participate in advising the supervisors in the decision-making for district business. The Board of Supervisors oversee district operations and represent the interests of land users in the county. Staff are hired by the Board of Supervisors to deliver services, based on local land uses and natural resources concerns. District Staff includes one (1) Hancock County SWCD employee and one (1) District Conservationist (from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  The District is also assisted by staff from the new Indiana Dept. of Agriculture (ISDA) and Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR).

We have seen many changes and growth developments in our natural resource conservation issues over the years. We are continuing    to assist, teach, and develop programs for our Hancock County citizens. We fully believe in an ecosystem approach; taking into account the many relationships/connections between our natural resources. The Hancock County SWCD fully intends to provide the best programming available to reach our county's resource requirements. We exist to serve the public and to ensure a healthy and productive environment for future generations.

OUR PARTNERS IN CONSERVATION -
       Indiana Conservation Partnership follow the link to the Strategic Plan

• Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) Division of Soil and Water Conservation ISDA Link

• Indiana State Soil Conservation Board SSCB Link

• Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts IASWCD Link

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) NRCS Link

• Purdue Cooperative Extension Service Purdue Link
  
  Others

• Farm Service Agency (FSA) FSA Link

• Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) IDNR Link

• IDEA

• Ducks Unlimited

• Pheasants Forever