​Serving the people of Shawnee County with voluntary programs of education, planning, and application of conservation practices to sustain the long term quality of our soil, water, air, plant and animal resources in balance with human needs.

We encourage you to browse our site for information on topics such as How To Properly Build A Pond Dam,  to learn about Conservation Practices or Non-Point Source Pollution.  You can also search our site for information you need.  

What is a conservation district?

Photo shared by Riley County Conservation District

​Severe soil erosion problems during the Dust Bowl prompted the passage of the Conservation District Law by Kansas legislature in 1937. This legislation lead to the formation of conservation districts in Kansas. Through the years additional natural resources conservation challenges have emerged.

The conservation district is the primary local unit of government responsible for the conservation of soil, water and related natural resources within the county boundary. Kansas conservation districts are political subdivisions of state government charged with this vital role. Funding comes from county and state allocations, with some districts generating funds by providing conservation goods and services.