Harrison Shenk and Robert Nason were appointed by the State Soil Conservation Committee as first supervisors. Clyde Rogers, Charles Todd and Harry Engel were elected in a county-wide election.

The first year 46 applications for farm plans on 11,916 acres were received.

The 1960's

During 1966 the Upper Wakarusa Watershed Work Plan was completed and approved by the Legislature. Cross Creek Watershed Work Plan was also completed during 1966.

The NRCS staff assisted with replacing fences and clearing fields of debris from a "F5" tornado in 1966.

1970's

Shawnee County was one of the first counties to have the soils mapped and the soil survey was published in 1970.

There was increasing public concern over the role of Gov't land use planning. Hearings were held state-wide on proposed erosion and sediment legislation to protect Kansas lakes and streams.

1979 - Twenty-five years

By this time eleven of fifteen structures were completed in the Cross Creek Watershed. Fourteen structures were completed in the Upper Wakarusa Watershed.

1980's

After years of effort and hard work a State Cost-Share Program was passed by the joint House-Senate Conference Committee. The bill allowed $9,500.00 to each county for conservation practices. Kansas was one of only five states to initiate such a program.

The Rural Clean Water Program was targeted to the Wakarusa Watershed. This provided funding for long-term contracts to landowners to implement conservation practices at a 75% cost-share level. These contracts were completed over a ten year period.

The 85 Farm Bill brought new challenges with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland determinations to be made by the NRCS staff. The Conservation Reserve Program(CRP) allowed landowners to plant grass and collect rental payments for 10 years. All landowners with HEL land needed to have a conservation plan in place for treatment of those fields by December 31, 1989.

The office became automated through the purchase of computers by the District and NRCS to facilitate the implementation of the 85 Farm Bill.

The District began publishing a newsletter the 'Conservation Profile' to help keep landowners/operators informed of the requirements to remain eligible to participate in Farm Program Benefits.

Harrison Shenk, a 34 year member of the board, retired from the board. Mr. Shenk was instrumental in getting the District organized.

1990's

The Conservation District Board and NRCS staff began development of Non-point Source Pollution Management Plan and Project Work Plans. Plans were approved by State Conservation Commission. A non-point source coordinator was hired in July 1992.

The Conservation District increased their efforts to inform the public officials of District activities by hosting VIP Tours and by holding an 'Appreciation Breakfast' to thank sponsors for their conservation awards, donations and support of the District's activities.

1994

The Conservation District was one of two counties in the State to receive the Goodyear 'Grand Award'. The award was sponsored by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and the National Association of Conservation Districts.(NACD)

March 1994

District is forty years old.

The Conservation District has been recognized for its continued efforts and accomplishment with an 'Honors Award' for 1993 from the Goodyear and NACD.

December 30, 1995

Date to have all HEL conservation plans implemented.

January 1996

The Shawnee County Conservation District was the first district in Kansas to promote conservation issues in movie theaters.

June 12, 1996

The Shawnee County Conservation District was the first district in Kansas to go on line with a Home Page on the Internet.

March 2004

The Shawnee Conservation District goes golden and is now 50 years old.