KENNETH COULTER 



Director, MASWCD 



Chairman, Budget & Finance Connn. 



tive agreements, supply retail sales, 



soil districts have probably done it to raise funds. 



"SOIL DISTRICTS HAVE COME OF AGE" 



IJhen Soil Conservation Districts were first adopted 

 into the family of state government, they were treated sim- 

 ilar to the role of a poor in-law come to live with rich 

 relatives. We were given a privilege to exist, provided 

 moral support, but as for feeding or financing, well, that 

 was another matter. 



These "poor in-laws" proved again the old adage, "It's nc 

 disgrace to be poor." Though not provided with finances, 

 the people sponsoring this movement were neither dumb nor 

 were they lazy. They were dedicated individuals who knew 

 their cause was morally right, nationally imperative, and 

 individually sole satisfying. 



With determination and dedication, these newly organized 

 boards called on all of their resourcefulness and imagina- 

 tion to implement a conservation program within their area. 

 With no means of tax financing provided, various methods 

 of funding were explored and tried by local boards of 

 supervisors. This varied, depending on local opportuni- 

 ties and individual Initiatives, but included operating 

 large earth moving equipment, private contractor coopera- 

 raffles, carnivals, associate memberships, and you name it; 



Sound absurd that such methods would have to be employed to conserve the soil and water re- 

 sources and therefore the food supply of our nation? Well, it is still being donel 



While there is merit in the individual action and a greater independence in the spending of 

 funds so raised, should Boards of Supervisors time be spent pondering the various ramifications 

 which arise from raising funds in such various ways? Would our time be better spent managing 

 and promoting the many facets of soil and water conservation only? How long can we afford the 

 luxury of this financial independence at the expense of conservation activities? 



The "Poor In-laws" have come of age. SWCDs are now beginning to receive the recognition, 

 which by a record of performance, they rightly deserve. At the 1963 session of state legislature, 

 we were granted financing of district activities by limited local tax funds, upon approval of the 

 Boards of County Commissioners. This is quite reasonable and long overdue. Our national govern- 

 ment provides technical assistance and cost-sharing on specific practices. Now our local govern- 

 ment provides support for local organization and administration. What about our state financial 

 support? We receive only a meager appropriation designed to assist in coordinating activities 

 among the numerous districts. 



Are the fruits of a stabilized and productive economy, resulting from good conservation manage- 

 ment, limited to the confines of the local district borders? Do you purchase your supplies, sell 

 your products and even spend your recreation money only within your district? It would appear 

 there is a broader responsibility to support district activities than we are receiving at this 

 time. 



If your district has all the funds It needs to organize, pay board members expenses, provide 

 an active education program, acquire the necessary publicity, pay state and national dues, assist 

 cooperators and conduct the administration of soil and water activities, then this would not apply 

 to you. Our district could use state funds on a dollar for dollar matching basis, for money 

 raised at the local level. This would help get the job done. 



We now have organizations proven worthy of public support. We know how to apply practical 

 conservation practices to the land and water. As we drive down the roads, the tasks unfold be- 

 fore our very eyes. Many cooperators know enough about our program to acqua^n* us with thetr 

 needs. Let us, the once "POOR IN-LAWS" proceed with the job. 



3. 



