SOUTH PARIS — The Oxford County Soil & Water Conservation District seeks new members.

Soil and water conservation districts have played a vital role in environmental stewardship in the U.S. since their inception.

Their history dates back to the 1930s during the Dust Bowl, a period of severe drought and massive dust storms that devastated American farmlands. In response to this crisis, the Soil Conservation Act of 1935 was passed. This led to establishing the Soil Conservation Service (now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service) to address the erosion problems and promote sustainable land management practices.

The creation of the districts emerged from this movement because from the beginning, it was recognized that in order for conservation efforts to be successful, the community needed to be involved. Districts are typically organized at the county level and are designed to be non-regulatory, according to a news release from Chantelle Hay, Education and Outreach Coordinator.

As an Oxford County district board member, one can contribute to strategic decision making, help guide the district and ensure that it continued to serve the county effectively. District meetings are set for 4:30-5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.

The district is looking for board members who are interested in natural resources like soil and water, forestry, agriculture, native plants and wildlife, want to help promote and support the programs of the district, and are invested in conserving Maine’s natural heritage.

Board members must be 18 or older and a resident-registered voter and reside in Oxford County.

To learn more, email OxfordCountySWCD@gmail.com, call 207-744-3111, or visit oxfordcountyswcd.org.

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