The Wood Soil and Water Conservation District includes all the lands within Wood County. The district is a political sub-division of the State of Ohio, formed by a referendum petition and chartered on July 8, 1949. As a unit of state government, the district was organized and operates under the provision of Chapter 1515 of the Ohio Revised Code.

      A board of Supervisors sets the policies of the district. The residents of the district elect five supervisors, for a three-year term. It is the duty of the board to guide the work of the district, utilize funds for equipment and supplies, and hire personnel to carry out the work of the district. Their dedication to conservation work is reflected in the time they spend carrying our these duties and attending many meetings throughout the year, receiving no pay for their endeavors.

      The major function of the district is to determine the natural resources needs and implement programs that protect and develop these resources. Programs of the district are developed cooperatively with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Farm Services Agency, and The Ohio State University Extension Service. Additional programming assistance is received from the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

      The district assists landowners in the Agricultural and Urban Sediment and Pollution Abatement Standards that have been adopted by local, state and federal governments. The application of conservation practices is a cooperative effort between the district and the land users’ voluntary implementation of the recommendations of the district.

      The district operates on funding provided by the Wood County Commissioners which is matched by the Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Sales programs and equipment rentals generate additional funds. The Natural Resource Conservation Service provides equipment, supplies and personnel to give technical assistance to the district.