Membership
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The Soil and Water Conservation Society is a non-profit scientific and educational organization.  The Society serves as an advocate for the conservation profession and for science-based conservation policy.  It is the grassroots efforts of it's nearly 10,000 members in over 80 chapters, who help carry out the Society's mission. Your support can make a difference!  It's individuals like yourself that make our important work possible.  Please visit the SWCS website for the latest membership options.

"We’d love to have you as a member! SWCS brings together conservationists from around the world who are dedicated to the art and science of aring for the land. Working together, we can do more for our land and water resources – and our profession – than we can do as individuals."
-- Craig Cox, Executive Vice President.
    Healthy Land, Clean Water -- For Life!

Join over 10,000 members nationwide who represent every component of the conservation movement: academics, technical advisors, managers, educators and advocates.

What the members say:
"I like to keep current with the latest policy proposals.  It has a big affect on my job"

"The annual conventions are so great!  You get to see a different part of the country from a conservationist's view.  From the soils up!"

"The annual tours.  They are always interesting.  Its fun to get to know people from other parts of the state, or just refresh old friendships! And there is usually beer afterwards!"

"This year's annual meeting was so interesting, especially the rain garden speaker.  That is going to have a big effect on development in my area."

"I love the conventions.  The topics are always so interesting and the tours are always top notch!  I always enjoy meeting new people that you are sure to have much in common with."

SWCS Members are Involved In:
Bringing science and professional judgment together to shape our conservation policy and programs to care for renewable natural resources.

Working with landowners, communities and units of government to get conservation on the land.

Research, education and outreach on today's pressing conservation issues, budgets and programs.

Bringing all sides of critical issues together to seek common ground and identify solutions to the most important conservation problems confronting landowners and policy makers.

You can develop professionally through the SWCS by getting involved in these activities:
Work with conservation leaders and take on new challenges through SWCS activities at local and national levels.

 Conferences and workshops on land and water management issues designed to update you as a professional with the latest in conservation technology and practices

 Annual conferences provide you with an opportunity to meet and exchange views with an international network of other professional conservationists.

 Participate in local workshops, field days and tours organized by the state chapter.  Firsthand opportunities to learn about different areas of the state, new conservation techniques and just get-together with a diverse group of conservationists.

 SWCS endorses the Certified Professionals in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) Program.  It provides training and certification for individuals in the area of erosion and sediment control and urban water quality.

 Some of the past work the Soil and Water Conservation Society has done includes:
 
Seeking Common Ground for Conservation
 This program helped key stakeholders and policy makers to shape the conservation provisions of the 2002 Farm Bill.  The SWCS worked with leaders at the state and local level to identify ways to improve agricultural policy and programs.  They translated the ideas into proposals for change in the latest farm bill and communicated the meaning and importance to policy makers and opinion leaders.

 Sharing the Cost: Evaluation of Federal Spending on Working Land Conservation This project produced a comprehensive description of federal investments in conservation on privately owned working land.  It also provided a basis for comparison of federal investments among conservation, environmental and agricultural programs.

 Conservation Implications of Climate Change This project synthesized current research about the effects projected changes in global climate may have on erosion and runoff from ag lands.  It emphasized the changes in the hydrologic cycle and identified steps that could be taken to improve soil and water conservation technology and programs to mitigate those effects.

 These are just some of the recent projects.  The SWCS is always working on the latest ideas and policies being developed.

 Some of the Benefits of SWCS Membership:
Effective representation in policy circles on environmental, agricultural and conservation issues.

Opportunities to network with and learn from professionals from many disciplines through local, regional and international meetings.

Interaction and education through local chapter membership.

Journal of Soil and Water Conservation containing the very latest research in soils, water and conservation.

Discounts on books and conference or workshop registration fees.

Lapel pin and membership card.

Student memberships are open to full-time high school students, university undergraduate or graduate students.

Have you thought about purchasing a SWCS membership for a colleague, associate or family member?  This is another way to share the work of the Society and provide support.
 

Send mail to dennis.fuchs@gmail.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Minnesota Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society
Last modified: 01/12/08