Swcd brochure updated 2015

Our mission: Coordinate and facilitate partners and governmental agencies in identifying and implementing projects and practices with cultural sensitivity to assure the protection of Hawaii's environment.

Oahu Soil and Water Conservation Districts

We are online! Learn about your local conservation district at: www.oahuswcd.org

To get in touch with your local SWCD, contact: Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts 99-193 Aiea Heights Drive,

Suite 110 Aiea, HI 96701 (808) 486-8600 x.120 or Oahu SWCD Planners (808) 5412600 x.103

For more information about HACD, visit the website:

http://www.hi.nrcs.usda.gov/partnerships/ oahuswcd/Index.html

Oahu Soil and Water Conservation Districts Promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources in our community.

What are the Oahu Soil & Water Conservation Districts?

The Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) on Oahu were first established in 1948 by Oahu’s farmers, ranchers, and land users in order to coordinate local efforts in the conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources in our communities.

There are three conservation districts on the island of Oahu: the South Oahu SWCD, the West Oahu SWCD and the Windward Oahu SWCD.

District Activities The purpose of SWCD is to encourage conservation and assist land users. Since its inception, the Oahu SWCDs have promoted conservation of natural resources in our communities in a number of different ways: Reviewing erosion control plans.

Helping develop conservation plans for farmers, ranchers, and other land users in order to reduce soil erosion or other pollution from their farms and/or to fulfill local and State requirements.

Participating in flood control or prevention projects.

Carrying out watershed protection projects.

Encouraging and assisting in surveys, investigations, and research relating to soil and water conservation.

Facilitating demonstration of erosion control studies.

The conservation districts, like school districts, are self-governing sub-units of the state government. For over five decades, the number of districts has grown with sixteen currently active in the State of Hawaii, as part of nearly 3000 in the nation.

Conducting community outreach, particularly environmental education outreach in schools and community events.

Coordinating the Conservation Awareness Contest for high schools in Oahu.

Partnership in Conservation The US Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) is the Districts’ prime conservation partner and technical resource agency.

In addition to the NRCS, the SWCDs of Hawaii work closely with and receive support from the State Department of Health (DOH), Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), County Governments and Water Departments, US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Hawaii Association of Conservation Districts (HACD), University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (UHCTAHR), State Agriculture Department, Coastal Management Program, and Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D).

Opportunities in Conservation The soil and water conservation districts may accept and use available technical, financial, and educational resources and other services from any source to carry out district operations.

You or your organization can receive help from the Oahu SWCDs or render valuable assistance to the conservation efforts in our communities. If you would like to help or if you need help, please contact your local conservation district.

Working with our youth.

Photos by M. Miyakuni