Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 12/01/2014

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• Utilize education and outreach in addition to technical and financial assistance to encourage natural resource stewardship. Authorization and Jurisdiction of Conservation Districts Soil and Water Conservation Policy Soil and Water Conservation Districts are authorized under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103C known as the Soil and Water Conservation District Law. Soil and water conservation policy reads as follows (103C.005) Maintaining and enhancing the quality of soil and water for the environmental and economic benefits they produce, preventing degradation, and restoring degraded soil and water resources of this state contribute greatly to the health, safety, economic well-being, and general welfare of this state and its citizens. Land occupiers have the responsibility to implement practices that conserve the soil and water resources of the state. Soil and water conservation measures implemented on private lands in this state provide benefits to the general public by reducing erosion, sedimentation, siltation, water pollution, and damages caused by floods. The soil and water conservation policy of the state is to encourage land occupiers to conserve soil, water, and the natural resources they support through the implementation of practices that: (1) control or prevent erosion, sedimentation, siltation, and related pollution in order to preserve natural resources; (2) ensure continued soil productivity; (3) protect water quality; (4) prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs; (5) reduce damages caused by floods; (6) preserve wildlife; (7) protect the tax base; and (8) protect public lands and waters. Soil and Water Conservation District Authority In order to carry out its mission, ACD has several powers granted in law. The following paraphrases those authorities. SWCDs may; • Conduct resource surveys and demonstration projects, • Carry out soil and water conservation measures on any lands in the district with the consent of the landowner, • Cooperate or enter into agreements with any governmental agency or individual landowner for the purpose of carrying on a program of erosion prevention and control, • Purchase or accept property and income and provide equipment and supplies that will help to bring about conservation practices, • Construct, install, improve, maintain, and operate such structures and works as may be necessary for proper performance of the district, page 2 Anoka Conservation District Comprehensive Plan October 2014