Welcome to

ST. JOHN VALLEY

    SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT  

...Working for you to help sustain Maine's abundant natural resources since 1942.

Click here for our District Area Map

   About Us…

Soil and Water Conservation Districts were formed in response to the 1935 natural disaster known as the Dust Bowl, an event which darkened Washington D.C. skies with Midwestern topsoil.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture was faced with the immense task of protecting our soil and water resources, and so helped devise a model grassroots system to meet these urgent needs. This grassroots model became one of the success stories of modern conservation, and the ongoing effectiveness of Conservation Districts has been our ability to provide the bridge between citizens, and local, state, and federal agencies. 

Our Mission:

The St. John Valley Soil & Water Conservation District strives  to provide local land users, landowners, and other individuals and organizations with the information, education, and technical assistance they need to help protect and  enhance Maine’s natural resources and to use them wisely.

LOCALLY LED NATURAL RESOURCE CONCERNS OF TODAY

The St. John Valley has a variety of natural resources.  Its rich floodplain soils support numerous agricultural enterprises, its forests provide countless products for use by people worldwide, and, in addition, provide much needed habitat for a variety of wildlife species, and its rural character is home to thousands of people who enjoy the lifestyle that is northern New England. 

In following with these resources, what comes next is an analysis of the five major land uses within the region:  agriculture, forestry, recreation, fish and wildlife, and water.  Each land use is further broken down into several sub-issues, each defined by its primary concern(s) and potential solution(s).  In addition, since education is an important aspect in all that we do, we have listed it as its own separate entity.

This listing is not meant to be all-inclusive in nature, but rather a guide to assist not only the District, but other land users, agencies, etc. in determining their goals for the future. As a District supervisor or associate supervisor you can help set these important priorities and guide their implementation throughout the Valley. To learn more about becoming a District Supervisor click on the Staff link to the left.

 Providing Local Assistance…

•  Workshops, Newsletters & Educational Outreach;

• Grant Development;

• Best Management Practice (BMP) Implementation;

• Watershed Surveys & Resource Assessments;

• Link to Other Governmental Agencies & Programs;

• Topographical Maps & Aerial Photographs;

• Marking flags