Mission & History

Our mission is to provide education and leadership in the conservation and sustainable use of soil and water-related resources through cooperative programs that protect, restore and improve our environment.

Soil & Water Conservation Districts are local units of government that develop, manage, and direct natural resource programs at the local level. They work in both urban and rural settings, with landowners and other land managers, to carry out a program for the conservation, wise use, and sustainable development of soil, water, and related resources. The Homer District is one of 13 soil and water conservation districts in Alaska.

Working as a grassroots organization of local landowners, in partnership with state and federal agencies, we promote the conservation and productive and sustainable use of natural resources. The Homer District is a non-regulatory organization of approximately 200 private landowners from 12 communities. As an organization that actively involves diverse stakeholders including state and federal agencies, community groups, farmers and ranchers, the Homer District is well-suited to provide local leadership for natural resource related activities and education.

Districts are run by a volunteer board of local “District Supervisors.” SWCD are in essence the lowest order of State Government. In Alaska, Supervisors serve 3-year staggered terms; generally, two or three of the five supervisors are up for election each fall. To be eligible to serve as a Supervisor you must first become a district cooperator.