Legislation enacted in 1937 provided for the formation of soil conservation districts. In 1939 this plan was modified with one of the changes giving each county the power to organize as a soil conservation district. Each district is considered a corporate instrument of the county for the exercise of the function of soil conservation work. In 1961 state statutes were changed so that the Districts were also responsible for water conservation. The supervising board of each district has the power to develop comprehensive plans for the conservation of soil resources and for controlling and preventing erosion. They formulate and propose to the land occupiers of the district and the county board ordinances regulating the use of lands within the district for the purpose of preserving the soil resources. The state Board of Soil and Water Conservation supported county Districts through practical assistance and the disbursement of federal funds.
