Cherokee County Conservation District

Our conservation district is a political subdivision of state government charged with the conservation of the natural resources of our county. We provide technical and financial assistance to address resource concerns while providing educational opportunities to create an environmentally literate Kansans.

Our Mission: To promote the conservation of, and education regarding, our natural resources and their importance for all citizens.

Overview: Conservation Districts had their beginning in the 1930’s when Congress, in response to national concerns over mounting erosion and dust storms, enacted the Soil Conservation Act of 1935.  And, in September 1944 the landowners in the county voted to organize the Cherokee County Soil Conservation District which would be located in Columbus, Kansas.  Edward Martin, Scammon, Kansas and F.W. Hefley, Baxter Springs, Kansas were appointed by the State Soil Conservation Committee to serve as supervisors of the Cherokee County Soil Conservation District.  Marvin Wing, Lloyd Belt, and Jack Gassaway, all of Columbus, Kansas were then elected, by the farmers of Cherokee County, to serve as supervisors along with Martin and Hefley 

Our conservation district provides technical assistance, financial assistance and educational services related to the conservation of our natural resources to the public free of charge, thanks to our county and state operating funds.  As a grassroots, locally led organization we are dedicated to getting conservation on the ground; conservation that benefits all Kansans by providing cleaner water, more productive soils. 

We are the local source for cost share funding for the installation of best management practices for preserving and improving water quality and soil health. We administer multiple cost share assistance programs which provide economic and environmental benefits direct to our county and all residents. 

Services We Offer:

• Technical assistance for addressing resource concerns.
• Financial assistance for implementing voluntary conservation practices.
• Educational programs for schools and community groups.
• Soil Health training opportunities (workshops and scholarships)
• Rental of equipment, an Ashland 140XLS Dolly Wheel Ejector Scaper and a single-blade Root Plow.
• The free replacement of lost or serverly damaged metal yard signs for past Kansas Banker Association Award winners.

Photos & Videos

26 Local Work Group