Conservation district celebrates 75th anniversary

Ozona—The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary for the Crockett County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Established in 1950, the Crockett County SWCD has been a dedicated partner in conserving and protecting natural resources for the landowners in Crockett County.

A soil & water conservation district, like a county or school district, is a subdivision of State government. It is administered by a board of five directors elected by fellow landowners. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s was a wake-up call. The convergence of drought, poor agricultural practices, and high winds was devastating and led to massive soil erosion, crop failures, and the displacement of millions of people. 

After the passage of the Texas Soil Conservation Law in 1939 and with the establishment of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), SWCDs began to be formed. There are 216 districts in Texas, covering more than 99 percent of Texas' acreage. Of those districts, Crockett County and seven others celebrate their 75th anniversary in 2025. The state office for all districts is in Temple, Texas.

SWCDs work to bring a widespread understanding of the needs of soil and water conservation. In addition, they work to activate the efforts of public and private organizations and agencies into a united front to combat soil and water erosion and to enhance water quality and quantity in the state. Due to its large size and location, many variations of climate and terrain influence habitats. 

Texas' unique location is where eastern and western habitats meet and where northern climate and southern subtropical habitats meet. Due to these conditions, there are many different ecosystems throughout the state. Texas is generally divided into 10 regions. Crockett County straddles the Edwards Plateau and the Trans-Pecos regions. As one can imagine, this diversity necessitates different conservation management practices. The local Soil & Water Conservation District works closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to provide landowners with valuable information on how to maintain and conserve natural resources and how to restore the land to a healthy condition from possible previous damage. 

Humans often think that if we own land, we can do what we want. We must, however, take time to listen to the land and nature and work with it, not against it. An acceptable practice in one ecoregion might be devastating in another ecoregion. 

The purpose of SWCDs is to instill in the minds of local people that it is their individual responsibility to do the job of soil and water conservation. A person doesn't need to be a large landowner to be aware of, and practice, good soil and water conservation. SWCDs receive assistance from many sources; however, even with all this help, farmers, ranchers, communities, and other individuals must voluntarily apply a conservation program compatible with their objectives.

As the state's population continues to increase, maintaining the productivity of our soil and water resources becomes increasingly vital in meeting the food, fiber, and resource needs of all Texans. TSSWCB and SWCDs across the state are committed to working with farmers, ranchers, and private landowners to conserve and protect Texas' natural resources. We are proud of our 75 years of soil and water conservation! 

Our current elected directors are Paul Perner III, Pleas Childress III, Jack Baggett Jr, Ira Childress, and Ty Allen. 

Previous elected directors were Charley Davidson, Bill Clegg, Troy Williams, LB Cox Jr, Charles E Davidson Jr, Dick Henderson, RA Harrell, Fred Hagelstein, WR Baggett Jr, Joe Couch, Bud Hoover, Earl Acton, Gene Perry, Larry Williams, Steve Wilkins, Marty Acton, and James Owens. 

The Crockett County SWCD meets every 3rd Tuesday at 2 p.m. at 201-D 11th St. This is a public meeting and all are welcome. 

SOURCE Crockett County Soil and Water Conservation District