Make Your Mark on Conservation: Don't Overlook Your Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors

 

This off-election year, the League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWVPRA) is shining a light on the often-under-appreciated races found on the back of your ballot. Remember the last general election? That 8.5 by 11-inch ballot was packed with choices on both sides! While the front typically showcases high-profile contests, the reverse side includes crucial elections for judges, township officials, and your Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Supervisors.

Many voters wonder if they need to vote in every single race. The answer is no – you can skip any race and your ballot will still be counted. However, these "down-ballot" races, especially the election of SWCD Supervisors, play a vital role in our community and deserve your informed vote.

To help you understand the importance of these local conservation leaders, LWVPRA is hosting a series of public programs focusing on the "back of the ballot." Our first event will feature the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Join Us to Learn About Your SWCD:

• Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 
• Time: 4:00 PM 
• Location: Northwoods Bank Community Room

This informative session will provide valuable insights into the SWCD and its impact on the residents of Hubbard County. You'll learn about:

• The Background of the SWCD: Discover its history and mission. 
• Essential Services: Understand the crucial services the SWCD provides to our community. 
• Funding Sources: Learn how the SWCD is funded. 
• Why Elected? Gain insight into why these important supervisors are elected by you, the voters, rather than being appointed. 

We are pleased to announce our confirmed speakers:

• Heidi Anderson-Thomas: Chair of the Hubbard County SWCD Board of Directors  
• Megan FitzGerald: Community Engagement & Grant Reporting Coordinator for the Hubbard County SWCD

Don't miss this opportunity to become a more informed voter and understand how these locally elected officials directly impact the conservation and sustainability of our natural resources.

For any questions about LWVPRA activities, upcoming events, or how to become a member, please contact us via email at lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org. Stay up-to-date on our initiatives by following this website: 

As a bonus the SWCD will collect water samples for Nitrate Testing 

Follow these directions for bringing your water sample for testing.
    Hubbard County SWCD offers a Free Nitrate Testing Clinic the first Friday of every month at their office at 603 Central Ave. No. #100. Bring a half cup of tap water in a clean DISPOSABLE container after running your tap for 5 minutes. Samples should be taken on the morning of testing. You can print a form from the Home Page and complete it before dropping it off, or complete a form provided at the front desk. If you prefer not to wait, staff can email results after testing. Call 218-732-0121 Ext. 4 or email info@hubbardswcd.org if you have any questions. Please note: This is not a certified lab test.