Conservation Corner: What does the Eagle County Conservation District do?
In our valley, many organizations are dedicated to conserving and preserving our county’s natural resources. Within this array of committed organizations, one group operates quietly but significantly — the Eagle County Conservation District. Providing a unique perspective in the realm of environmental advocacy, the Eagle County Conservation District sometimes goes unnoticed, leading to the question: What distinguishes it from other conservation organizations?
The roots of conservation districts trace back to the 1930s Dust Bowl when severe soil erosion and environmental degradation wreaked havoc on agriculture and air quality. In response, Congress passed the 1937 Soil Conservation Act, laying the foundation for the nationwide establishment of conservation districts — non-regulatory entities specifically designed to collaborate with landowners and foster soil and water conservation practices.
Over the years, conservation districts have evolved, broadening their scope to encompass all facets of natural resource conservation. They have adapted to the changing landscapes of growing communities, addressing diverse resource challenges in the modern world. At the heart of sustainable land management, conservation districts play a vital role in balancing economic interests and environmental preservation.
While the potential to form a conservation district exists in all counties, not all have seized the opportunity. Funding constraints often hinder the ability to hire staff and run programs, a historical challenge faced by the Eagle County Conservation District.
For many years, the Eagle County Conservation District faced limitations due to insufficient funding, and with just one part-time employee working 10 hours monthly, growth was stifled. A pivotal change occurred when the Eagle County Conservation District collaborated with Eagle County to bring on a full-time district manager. This strategic move enabled the Eagle County Conservation District to apply for state and federal grants, resulting in a substantial increase in programming efforts. Today, the Eagle County Conservation District manages over $2.3 million in grant funding, which is channeled into the community in the form of conservation cost-shares, rebates and programming. Unfortunately, many of those funding sources are non-sustainable.
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While the initial focus of conservation districts was on farmers, ranchers and forest owners, the evolving landscape demands a broader perspective. The Eagle County Conservation District has been at the forefront of this shift in Colorado, expanding its focus to include all landowners within the district boundaries. This expansion doesn’t diminish support for agricultural landowners; rather, it enhances the Eagle County Conservation District’s reach by offering technical and financial assistance to all property owners, regardless of land size.
What does this expanded focus look like? Picture a homeowner with a small front yard applying for an irrigation system rebate, optimizing their outdoor water efficiency by using the Eagle County Conservation District’s matching dollars. Simultaneously, a large agricultural landowner is securing funding and technical expertise from the Eagle County Conservation District for improved soil health practices, and an HOA receives educational resources on how to convert its large, nonessential turf areas into resilient, native landscapes requiring little to no water.
Every landowner in Eagle County shares the common challenges of wildfire mitigation, the need to decrease water consumption, and the essential shift toward adaptive and resilient landscapes. The Eagle County Conservation District’s commitment to sustainable land management not only preserves Eagle County’s natural heritage but also fosters a collaborative environment where all landowners can contribute to and benefit from conservation efforts.
From a modest and somewhat inactive district, the Eagle County Conservation District has transformed into a major player in conservation within the valley in just three years. The path ahead promises a continued partnership between the Eagle County Conservation District and the public, and collaboration with other organizations, ensuring the protection and enhancement of the county’s diverse landscapes for generations to come.
Allegra Waterman-Snow is a technician for the Eagle County Conservation District, which is committed to preserving and restoring natural resources by collaborating, educating, and cooperating for conservation. For more information, visit EagleCountyCD.com or contact allegra.eaglecountycd@gmail.com.