Soil Conservation District elections don’t get much publicity, but they’re important

The Fayette County Conservation District (FCCD) performs some of the most effective and localized conservation and sustainability work in the state at the behest of the Soil and Water Board of Supervisors. Every two years, candidates compete for a spot on the board in the general election. This down ticket race is easy to overlook, especially when the ballot is already crowded, but the work that elected officials perform on this board is critical to ensuring that program support continues to benefit all Fayette County residents for years to come.

This year, five candidates are running for three open seats on the Soil and Water Board — John James, Robert Lofton, Matt Miniard, Jessica Voigt and John Wright. Although this position does not receive much media attention or publicity, and perhaps because it doesn’t, voters should take special care to learn about the nominees and the issues and responsibilities that being on the board entails. You might be surprised to discover how much of a positive impact an enthusiastic and motivated board can make for the community.

FCCD program participation has recently reached unprecedented levels, meaning that more residents than ever are benefiting from grants, education, soil testing and more. The board and staff have received statewide recognition for their innovative work—FCCD was recently named the 2022 Outstanding Conservation District of the Year by the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts. Now, voters have a chance to ensure the board continues to move our county forward when it comes to conservation and sustainability efforts.

District staff have prioritized and expansion of FCCD services to support Urban Services Area residents with significant gains, reaffirming a high demand for conservation support from downtown to the county lines. The district now offers program support to both urban and rural residents in a dozen ways—from the Backyard Conservation Program to the Soil Sample Voucher Program—and hundreds of locals have participated.

These programs help Lexingtonians take environmental improvements into their own hands. Large-scale farmers and backyard gardeners alike can have soil tested to prevent issues such as over-fertilization, and the Backyard Conservation cost-share program reimburses locals up to $200 for projects like installing rain barrels, raised bed gardens, pollinator habitats and so much more.

Just this year, in partnership with the USDA, the FCCD secured a large chunk of federal funding to help Fayette County producers address food insecurity, mitigate the biodiversity impacts of urbanization, and reduce overall emissions by helping communities source food locally. The funding allowed for the hiring of a full-time Urban Conservationist, a first for the county, and set the standard for small-scale and urban farming initiatives located in USDA-recognized food deserts to receive priority funding.

The district also believes that environmental education is critical for everyone, from new home gardeners to experienced farmers, and offers a variety of programs to help others showcase the importance of caring for the natural environment. There are scholarship opportunities for students with an interest in environmental science, and grants for K-12 teachers to help keep natural resources on the curriculum, as well as support for other conservation entities who are focused on providing momentum for conservation education.

You don’t have to be a farmer to benefit from the work that FCCD performs. Space in Fayette County has a unique urban-rural divide, with most of the population residing in the smallest area. The Soil & Water Board provides direction and oversight for locally focused initiatives to protect our soils and improve our water quality. Conservation education and resources must continue for future generations of Kentuckians no matter what type of neighborhood they dwell in.

Every two years we have an opportunity to help shape the Soil and Water Conservation Board and the work that they do. Voters with an interest in preserving the land, maintaining our natural resources, and expanding efforts to serve all Fayette County residents should take care to make an informed and confident decision when they step into the voting booth.

Heather Silvanik is the director of the Fayette County Soil and Water Conservation Board.

This story was originally published November 3, 2022 at 8:32 AM.