State: Oklahoma By. Arthur Rothstein Name: NRCSOK01002 Year: 1936 Farmer and sons walking in the face of a dust storm. Cimarron County, Oklahoma. Library of Congress image; Call number LC-USF34-004052.

In the 1930's an unparalleled event known as the Dust Bowl occurred. Following a severe and sustained drought in the Great Plains, the region's soil began to erode creating huge black dust storms that blotted out the sun and swallowed the countryside. On capitol Hill, congress unanimously passed legislation declaring soil and water conservation a national priority. In 1937, President Roosevelt wrote the governors of all states recommending legislation that would allow local soil conservation districts.

Nationally, conservation districts began forming over 60 years ago by local people setting priorities and making decisions to conserve their natural resources. Big Piney and Pinedale Conservation Districts were the first two districts to organize in the state of Wyoming in December 1941.

This means community leadership in assessing needs, determining priorities and working with local people to solve natural resource problems. For a list of our board of supervisors click here.

Monthly board meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the district office located at 1625 Pine Street, Stromness Building, in Pinedale. To inquire about or to be included on the agenda, e-mail the office at sccd@wy.nacdnet.net.