Two seats up for election this year on the East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District Board

PERHAM — Residents concerned about water quality and soil erosion in East Otter Tail County can file by May 31 to run for the position of supervisor of the East Otter Tail Soil and Water Conservation District, also known as EOT SWCD.

“Supervisors play an important role in how our community deals with a wide variety of resource management issues, including wetlands, water quality, soil erosion, ground water and forestry,” said Darren Newville, district manager with the EOT SWCD. “Serving as a supervisor is a terrific opportunity for people who want a voice in how we manage our environment.”

SWCDs are special purpose units of government that are a primary source of conservation information, support, and program management for landowners and other local units of government. They are the technical experts that understand their specific communities’ needs and help landowners navigate conservation programs from start to finish. An elected board of supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 88 SWCDs.

This year, the EOT SWCD has two supervisor positions up for election. SWCD candidates appear on the ballot for the general election on Nov. 8. Candidates are elected county-wide, but must reside in one of the nomination districts up for election.

Up this year are:

Nominating District II, which includes Gorman, Corliss, Perham, Pine Lake, Rush Lake and Otto Townships. Wayne Enger currently holds the seat.

Nominating District III, which includes Blowers, Bluffton, Butler, Homestead, Newton and Paddock Townships. Lyle Dittmann currently holds the seat.

SWCD supervisors serve four-year terms. They 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.

Those interested in running for supervisor should file at the county auditor’s office from May 17–31.

Additional information about the EOT SWCD can be found online at eotswcd.org or by calling the office at 218-346-9105.