who we are

Organization & History

Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District strives to address the voluntary conservation of natural resources for all citizens by providing technical assistance and educational programming. The Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District is a Not-For-Profit Organization. Proceeds from our fund-raising efforts are used to support our educational programs and to promote conservation and the wise use of our natural resources. The Franklin County SWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District was encumbered in 1948, in accordance with Chapter 29, Revised Statutes 1944, of the Laws of the State of Maine. A board of five supervisors governs each District. Two members are appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture and three are elected by Franklin County registered voters. The laws of the Conservation Districts are based on the principle that landowners and operators should take the initiative and responsibility in creating programs that will protect and improve resources that have a direct and immediate bearing on the people.

We work with many partners to provide conservation assistance to the public. One of our partners is the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Through this partnership, NRCS provides the district with a strong technical background. We also work with many other federal, state and local partners.

The district reaches out to all customers in the community to determine priorities and set a course of action to solve natural resource problems. We provide local conservation leadership, teach the value of natural resources, encourage conservation efforts, and help plan and implement voluntary programs.