A Soil and Water Conservation District ( "SWCD" ) is an independent, legal subdivision of state government, funded by state, local and private contributions. They are responsible for administering the natural resource management programs for the county in which they are located. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service ( formerly the Soil Conservation Service ) serves as a technical advisor to each SWCD as well as sharing resources such as office space, vehicles and equipment. There are 92 conservation districts in Indiana. See the newly revised "What is a SWCD" brochure" ( Marion County SWCD ) and see our recent news release on this same topic. Come see what we do! The public is encouraged to attend our monthly board meetings, held at 3: 30pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. Occasionally, we will move the time up or back to accommodate other district business. To find out about this months meeting, please call Marilyn Hughes at 317-786-1776. Organizational Structure of the Marion Co SWCD A Board of Supervisors oversee district operations and represent the interests of land users in the county. Staff are hired by the Board of Supervisors to deliver services, based on local land uses and natural resources concerns. Supervisors are made up of five ( 5 ) non-paid county residents. Three ( 3 ) are elected, Two ( 2 ) are appointed. Elected Supervisors are selected at our Annual Meeting. Appointed Supervisors are approved by the State Board of Conservation. Additionally, Associate Supervisors, also are selected to assist the Board, but they do not have voting power. They participate in advising the supervisors in the decision-making for district business. District Staff includes three ( 3 ) Marion County SWCD employees and one ( 1 ) District Conservationist ( from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service ( NRCS ). The District is also assisted by staff from the new Indiana Dept. of Agriculture ( ISDA ) and Indiana Dept. of Natural Resources ( IDNR )