Kansas Conservation Districts History
During the 1930’s, the Dust Bowl made the need to conserve natural resources, particularly soil. Agencies ranging from Land Grant Universities to the Federal Emergency Relief Administration researched and implemented conservation practices throughout the nation. Eventually the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) was created under the Soil Conservation Act of 1935
, to develop and implement soil erosion control programs. It was soon clear that local leadership was needed to coordinate efforts of conservation agencies and tie them into local conditions and priorities. Congress developed a model Conservation Districts Law, for consideration by state governments. In 1937 the State Conservation Committee was established by the Kansas Legislature with the enactment of the Kansas Conservation Districts Law. Conservation districts were formed as authorized by the Conservation District Law, K.S.A. 2-1901, et seq. The first conservation district was formed in Labette County in 1938 and the last, Shawnee County in 1954. The Stafford County Conservation District was formed on July 10, 1943. “At that time, it was moved to adopt resolutions, that the Extension Services Soil Bank write up a Work Plan and to adopt a Memorandum of Understanding. President Mason McComb’s reasons for forming the district was for concern about the drainage of water holes; wind erosion control by shelter belts; reseeding to native grasses; pasture improvement; water erosion; increased use of legumes for sod improvement; establishing stands of alfalfa; and insect control.”
Kansas Conservation Districts’ Objectives is “To develop and implement programs to protect and conserve soil, water, farmland, rangeland, woodland, wildlife, energy, riparian and wetland resources.”
The legal status of Kansas conservation districts is found in Kansas Conservation Districts Law K.S.A. 2-1901, et seq. Legal status determinations and/or definitions as found K.S.A. 2-1901, et seq that Kansas conservation districts are organized as provided by Kansas statues. “District” or “conservation district” is a governmental subdivision of the State of Kansas, and a public body corporate and politic. Every Kansas district encompasses the entire county in which it is located. Districts are not non-profit organizations and therefore are not entitled to benefits nor bound to requirements set forth for such groups.
