Idaho Soil Conservation
Commission

Facts about the Idaho Soil Conservation Commission

The Idaho Soil Conservation Commission was created in 1939 from Idaho legislation originated to deal with the soil erosion crisis of the Dust Bowl. Today, the Commission's purpose is to provide support and service to Idaho's 51 Soil Conservation Districts for the wise use and enhancement of soil, water, and related resources.

Districts are unique units of local government that use State, Federal, and private-sector resources to solve today's conservation problems. They promote clean water, productive soils, and a healthy environment by assisting landowners with conservation management of natural resources.

Commission Members

The Commission consists of five members appointed to staggered five-year terms by Idaho's Governor. Three non-voting advisors are authorized to serve at the invitation of the Commission, by virtue of their positions with other organizations: State Conservationist, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service; President, Idaho Association of Soil Conservation Districts; and Dean, College of Agriculture, University of Idaho.

Commission Staff

• The Commission has a 24-member staff responsible for water quality program delivery and administrative programs.
• Most staff work through a District in the field, providing technical assistance directly to Idaho landowners and assisting with projects.
• Of the 24 staff members, eight are located at the Department of Agriculture.
• The Commission is administratively attached to the Idaho Department of Agriculture .

Supports and Serves 51 Soil Conservation Districts

Responsibilities of the Commission are:

• Organize Districts and provide assistance, coordination, information and training to District supervisors and staff
• Ensure that Districts function legally and properly as local subdivisions of State government
• Administer general funds appropriated by the Idaho Legislature to Districts so they can install resource conservation practices
• Provide technical assistance personnel to Districts to administer water quality projects and conducting soil surveys
• Provide timely educational information to Districts

Other Commission Responsibilities

• Serve as the agricultural non-point source "management agency" at the State level. The Commission does not have direct regulatory authority or licensing authority over water quality or pollution control.
• Administer the Water Quality Program for Agriculture. The water quality projects are administered locally by Soil and Water Conservation Districts. These projects address non-point source water quality problems coming from agricultural activities by encouraging voluntary use of Best Management Practices.
• Direct the Resource Conservation and Rangeland Development Program (RCRDP), which provides grants and long-term, low-interest loans for conservation improvements.
• Maintain and direct the State Revolving Fund Program, similar to RCRDP, but designed to handle very large projects.
• Participate in the National Cooperative Soil Survey Program, a comprehensive effort to provide modern soil survey information on all non-Federal lands.
• Oversee the Carbon Sequestration Program, including the charge to develop an Idaho Carbon Exchange Protocol.
• Administer the Conservation Improvement Grants program.