File by June 2nd to Run for SWCD Supervisor
- ricecountyswcd
- May 5
- 2 min read
People concerned about water quality and soil health in Rice County should consider filing by June 2, 2026, to run for the position of supervisor of the Rice Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
“SWCD supervisors play a vital role in addressing many of the natural resource concerns facing our community, including wetland protection, water quality, soil erosion, and habitat restoration,” said Gene Kuntz, District Supervisor with the Rice Soil and Water Conservation District. “Serving as a supervisor gives local residents the opportunity to help guide conservation efforts and have a direct voice in how we care for our natural resources,” he added.
SWCDs are special-purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs, such as the State Cost-Share Program and the ReInvest in Minnesota (RIM) Wetland Program. An elected board of supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 88 SWCDs.
This year, the Rice SWCD has two supervisor positions up for election. SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election, which will take place on November 3, 2026. Candidates are elected county-wide but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election. These include District 3 (Townships of Cannon City, Wheeling, Walcott, and Richland) and District 5 (City of Faribault). SWCD supervisors serve four-year terms.
SWCD supervisors meet monthly to discuss the business of the SWCD, including state grant allocations to landowners, district conservation priorities, coordination with other local units of government and state agencies, and legislative priorities. Supervisors do not receive a salary, although they do receive compensation for attending meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.
Those interested in running for supervisor should file at the Rice County Property Tax and Elections office from May 19 through June 2, 2026. Additional information about the Rice SWCD can be found online at www.riceswcd.org or by calling the office at 507-332-5408. For more information about filing, visit the website below.
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