Jones Soil & Water Conservation District

The Jones Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) was officially formed in 1942 as a governmental subdivision of the State of Iowa. The office is co-located with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Office in the USDA Service Center in Anamosa. Its five commissioners are elected to 4-year terms by the citizens of Jones County in the General Election. All positions are unpaid, and all contributions to the SWCD are tax deductible.

The mission of the Jones SWCD is to provide local leadership in the advancement of the protection and enhancement of the natural resources of Jones County by providing technical, educational, and financial assistance to the public by using all available resources.  

The Jones SWCD has an official Memorandum of Agreement with:  Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Division of Soil and Water Conservation (IDALS-DSCWQ) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).  The Jones SWCD partners with both agencies to provide financial and technical assistance to landowners to voluntarily apply conservation practices on their land in Jones County.   

Our endowment fund distributions are used primarily for conservation education and outreach activities. In addition, we award one $500 scholarship annually to a Jones County high school senior pursuing studies in natural resources or agriculture. Our 2023 recipient is Chelsea Holland.

Testimonials

Currently we are promoting water quality & soil health through field days, workshops and classroom visits.