About McHenry-Lake County Soil & Water Conservation District
Our History & Mission Statement
The McHenry County SWCD was formed in 1947 under the "Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act" of 1937. This act specifically states that it is " in the public interest to provide (a) for the conservation of soil, soil resources, water and water resources in the State, (b) for the control and prevention of soil erosion, (c) for the prevention of air and water pollution, and (d) for the prevention of erosion, floodwater and sediment damages, and thereby to conserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors, conserve wildlife and forests ..."
The Act goes on to indicate that the State finds "that rapid shifts in land use from agricultural to nonagricultural uses, ... have accelerated the process of soil erosion and sediment deposition resulting in pollution of the waters of the State." It is the SWCD's charge through this Act to assist in conserving and protecting the land, water, air and other resources of the State.
On November 8, 2011, the McHenry County SWCD and the Lake County SWCD merged and were renamed the McHenry-Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The McHenry County SWCD was formed in 1947 under the "Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act" of 1937. This act specifically states that it is " in the public interest to provide (a) for the conservation of soil, soil resources, water and water resources in the State, (b) for the control and prevention of soil erosion, (c) for the prevention of air and water pollution, and (d) for the prevention of erosion, floodwater and sediment damages, and thereby to conserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors, conserve wildlife and forests ..."
The Act goes on to indicate that the State finds "that rapid shifts in land use from agricultural to nonagricultural uses, ... have accelerated the process of soil erosion and sediment deposition resulting in pollution of the waters of the State." It is the SWCD's charge through this Act to assist in conserving and protecting the land, water, air and other resources of the State.
On November 8, 2011, the McHenry County SWCD and the Lake County SWCD merged and were renamed the McHenry-Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Funding
The SWCD is a Not-For-Profit, Non-Taxing District. Twenty to thirty percent of the SWCD budget comes from annually renewable State and County grants. The remainder of the budget is fees generated from programs listed above.
The SWCD is a Not-For-Profit, Non-Taxing District. Twenty to thirty percent of the SWCD budget comes from annually renewable State and County grants. The remainder of the budget is fees generated from programs listed above.
Board of Directors
The SWCD is governed by a five member board of directors who oversee three full-time and one part-time employee . Owners and occupiers of land in McHenry and Lake County are eligible to run for a board of directors position. The Directors are elected for two-year terms. Elections are held each January/February, with two directors being elected in odd years and three directors elected in even years. Elected directors take office in March.
Owners and occupiers of land in McHenry and Lake Counties are entitled to vote in the election, held at the McHenry-Lake County SWCD office.
The SWCD is governed by a five member board of directors who oversee three full-time and one part-time employee . Owners and occupiers of land in McHenry and Lake County are eligible to run for a board of directors position. The Directors are elected for two-year terms. Elections are held each January/February, with two directors being elected in odd years and three directors elected in even years. Elected directors take office in March.
Owners and occupiers of land in McHenry and Lake Counties are entitled to vote in the election, held at the McHenry-Lake County SWCD office.
Staff
We have 2 full-time staff members and 1 part-time staff member. Our 2 full-time staff certifications include: McHenry County Certified Wetland Specialists, Certified Professional in Erosion Sediment Control In Training (CPESC-IT), USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service - Certified Planner Apprentice, and Designated Erosion Control Inspectors (DECI).
We have 2 full-time staff members and 1 part-time staff member. Our 2 full-time staff certifications include: McHenry County Certified Wetland Specialists, Certified Professional in Erosion Sediment Control In Training (CPESC-IT), USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service - Certified Planner Apprentice, and Designated Erosion Control Inspectors (DECI).
Programs
To accomplish our mission we partner with Federal, state, county, and private sectors, including many local environmental groups. Through these partnerships we bring in additional dollars to the county. Some of the many services we provide include:
• Providing local farmers and landowners with technical assistance which protect and improve soil & water quality.
• Implementation of the State of Illinois’ Partners for Conservation Cost Share program which provides dollars to agricultural producers and landowners to establish conservation practices. These practices include cover crops, pollinator plantings, conservation tillage, and others. Cover crops are prioritized as they improve soil health, reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff while protecting water quality and quantity. Overtime cover crops can be a cost-effective solution for farmers by reducing input costs and increasing profits.
• Assisting Municipal and County Departments of Planning and Development with natural resource information for zoning changes, and with the implementation of the wetland provisions and erosion & sediment control requirements of the McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance. Resources for the Future
• Assisting the McHenry County Highway Department with Erosion & Sediment Control Plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with Federal, State and County laws.
• Assisting individuals with resource planning for their home and properties, including assessing a property’s capabilities and limitations prior to purchasing.
• Providing fish stocking and native trees to all residents of the county at reasonable prices through our annual fish and tree sales.
• Providing adult and youth educational programming in soil and water quality. We are the coordinator of the Northeastern Illinois Envirothon Competition. This is a high school competition where teams of 5 compete in the areas of Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, and a Current Topic. Winners move on to the state and eventually nationals where they compete against teams from all over the US, Canada, and China for scholarships.
• Providing local farmers and landowners with technical assistance which protect and improve soil & water quality.
• Implementation of the State of Illinois’ Partners for Conservation Cost Share program which provides dollars to agricultural producers and landowners to establish conservation practices. These practices include cover crops, pollinator plantings, conservation tillage, and others. Cover crops are prioritized as they improve soil health, reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff while protecting water quality and quantity. Overtime cover crops can be a cost-effective solution for farmers by reducing input costs and increasing profits.
• Assisting Municipal and County Departments of Planning and Development with natural resource information for zoning changes, and with the implementation of the wetland provisions and erosion & sediment control requirements of the McHenry County Stormwater Management Ordinance. Resources for the Future
• Assisting the McHenry County Highway Department with Erosion & Sediment Control Plan reviews and inspections to ensure compliance with Federal, State and County laws.
• Assisting individuals with resource planning for their home and properties, including assessing a property’s capabilities and limitations prior to purchasing.
• Providing fish stocking and native trees to all residents of the county at reasonable prices through our annual fish and tree sales.
• Providing adult and youth educational programming in soil and water quality. We are the coordinator of the Northeastern Illinois Envirothon Competition. This is a high school competition where teams of 5 compete in the areas of Aquatics, Forestry, Soils, Wildlife, and a Current Topic. Winners move on to the state and eventually nationals where they compete against teams from all over the US, Canada, and China for scholarships.
Helpful Links:
Soil & Water Links
Soil & Water Links