HISTORY
The Harris County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) was organized in 1948 as a recognized unit of state government of Texas. Elected by the landowners in Harris County, a 5-member Board of Directors representing five zones covering the 1.1 million acres in the county provide leadership and focus for voluntary conservation programs
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In the 1950’s and 1960’s, the District took a leadership role in improving agriculture. The early 1970’s in Harris County brought urbanization and more emphasis was placed on potential flooding problems and urban encroachment on to flood plains. In 1972, the District was the primary organization responsible for identification of county flood-prone areas, together with the U.S. Throughout the 1980’s, the District has encouraged the use of a multi-disciplined approach to flood control - utilizing flood-prone areas for recreation and agriculture, floodwater detention basins, undeveloped natural areas, and appropriate channeling of waterways to reduce the impact of flooding within the county. During the 1990's, the District has been a leader in informing residents about watershed management and presenting ideas to assist in flood reduction. For example, the District worked closely with the Harris County Flood Control District to rebuild after Tropical Storm Francis. As the 2000's unfold, by means of new information and education programs, it continues to focus on developing public awareness of urban conservation problems and solutions by means of information and education programs
CONSERVATION DISTRICT ROLE
Conservation districts have a lead role in:
1. Developing annual and long range plans
2. Conducting information and education programs
3. Providing technical assistance when appropriate
4. Approving conservation plans
5. Coordinating local input in program development and implementation, including:
Reaching out to the public and bringing stakeholders together
Using a conservation needs assessment to analyze local needs
Setting local priorities based on public input and needs assessment
Recommending BMPs, cost share rates and incentive levels for programs
Reviewing and evaluating needs and accomplishments
Convening the USDA local work group for EQIP
We want to know what informational programs you would like to attend as residents and landowners in Harris County. Would you prefer evening short programs, would a Saturday program be something you would attend? Would you support a tree seedling sale or other fund raising event? (proceeds go to such programs as Texas Envirothon)
What topics would you like more information on - such as erosion, landscape, pest control, etc.? We are here to serve you and welcome all suggestions for planning our events in the future. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEND US AN EMAIL WITH YOUR COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS - Harris Co.
