Soil and Water Conservation looking to fill vacancy

Letters of Interest are currently being accepted by the Mille Lacs Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for an appointment to the Mille Lacs SWCD Board of Supervisors. A vacancy on the Board currently exists in Mille Lacs SWCD Supervisor District Two (Milaca, Milo and Borgholm Townships). Including the cities of Milaca, Bock and Foreston within those Townships. Interested applicants must live within these areas.

SWCDs are special purpose units of government that manage and direct local conservation programs. The work is focused on assisting landowners with implementing voluntary conservation to protect the health of lakes, rivers and other natural resources in Mille Lacs County. Elected supervisors convene monthly for public board meetings, fostering dialogue and decision-making around district priorities and long-term objectives. The time commitment for supervisors varies, ranging from four to 12 hours per month, depending on individual engagement levels. Supervisors do not receive a salary although they do receive compensation for attending approved meetings and are reimbursed for expenses.

The Mille Lacs SWCD has a unique practice of inviting individuals and communities into a civic decision-making experience. Essential to the Mille Lacs SWCD supervisor role is the ability to engage diverse perspectives, navigate differing viewpoints, and contribute to constructive discourse. Civic engagement, critical thinking, and strategic listening are invaluable assets in shaping district policies and priorities.

If interested, please submit a letter of interest to the Mille Lacs SWCD. In the letter, please tell us a little bit about yourself, why you are interested in the conservation of the county’s resources, and why you think you would be a good fit to serve on the district’s board.

Letters of Interest should be received by the Mille Lacs SWCD office no later than Monday, July 1 at 4:00 p.m. The Board of Supervisors will review the letters and will select an applicant to be appointed at a SWCD board meeting on or thereafter July 10. This individual will serve as an appointed member of the board until December 31, 2024.

Additionally, if the individuals applying for appointment to the vacancy wish to serve on the board for the full four-year term starting Jan. 1, they must also file for candidacy to be placed on the ballot for November elections. The filing period for SWCD office is from May 21, through June 4 at 5 p.m. This is before the deadline for filling the vacancy. Additional information about the position is available on the District’s website.

Letters of Interest should be sent to District Administrator Susan Shaw at Mille Lacs SWCD, 635 Second Street SE, Milaca MN, 56353, or via email at susan.shaw@millelacs.mn.gov. Please call Susan Shaw at 320-983-2160 with any questions.