Harris County - TX Soil & Water Conservation District

Harris County - TX Soil & Water Conservation District A local unit of state government for Harris County TX landowners It was one of the first locally led conservation districts. Army Corps of Engineers. SWCD

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, th

e 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.

08/15/2026
08/12/2026

There’s something for everyone at this year’s Annual Meeting! Our breakout sessions will cover a variety of timely topics, practical resources, and ideas designed to support conservation districts, directors, employees, and partners across Texas.

Take a look at what’s on the agenda and start planning which sessions you don’t want to miss here:https://tsswcb.texas.gov/sites/default/files/files/programs/PI%26E/2026%20Tentative%20Schedule8.10.pdf

08/12/2026

The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is Requesting Proposals for FY2027 Nonpoint Source Grant Program.

Read More Here: https://tsswcb.texas.gov/news

Our Chairman, RD Burnside, was invited to speak at the Lions Club of Baytown!He drew on many years of experience and inv...
08/11/2026

Our Chairman, RD Burnside, was invited to speak at the Lions Club of Baytown!
He drew on many years of experience and involvement in the Harris County SWCD to describe the varied programs and mission of soil and water conservation districts.

07/24/2026
07/16/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Boening Bros. Dairy, Inc., the 2026 Conservation Farmer of the Year! Through innovative farming practices, soil health improvements, water conservation, and a commitment to sustainable agriculture, the Boening family is helping preserve Texas' natural resources for generations to come.

07/15/2026

The TSSWCB Philosophy reflects the principles that guide our work every day; integrity, accountability, voluntary stewardship, and a shared responsibility to conserve Texas' natural resources for future generations.

Together with Texas' Soil and Water Conservation Districts, landowners, and conservation partners, we remain dedicated to protecting the soil, water, and working lands that make our state strong. 🌱🤝

07/08/2026

Congratulations to Sneary Cattle Co., the 2026 Conservation Rancher of the Year!🎉

For generations, the Sneary family has demonstrated that thoughtful stewardship and innovative management go hand in hand. Operating a 4,000-acre ranch in Matagorda County, Loy and Helen Sneary and their family have transformed their operation through Adaptive High Stock Density Grazing, improving soil health, increasing plant diversity, enhancing wildlife habitat, and building greater resilience for the future.

By investing in sustainable grazing practices, advanced water infrastructure, and conservation partnerships, Sneary Cattle Co. continues to prove that caring for the land today ensures a stronger legacy for tomorrow.

Just one in a series of terrific public workshops being offered-Check it out!
06/29/2026

Just one in a series of terrific public workshops being offered-
Check it out!

We work for all ag landowners in Harris County!
05/29/2026

We work for all ag landowners in Harris County!

On this day in 1939, the Texas Legislature established the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, laying the foundation for a statewide commitment to protecting the natural resources that sustain our farms, ranches, communities, and future generations.

For 86 years, the TSSWCB has worked alongside Texas’ 216 Soil and Water Conservation Districts, landowners, producers, and conservation partners to advance voluntary, locally led conservation across the Lone Star State.

As we reflect on this milestone, we honor the visionaries who came before us and remain committed to stewarding Texas’ soil and water resources for generations to come.

Address

10808 Huffmeister Road
Houston, TX
77065

Telephone

(713) 397-6996

Website

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