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Board of Supervisors

Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District (Lake SWCD) is a subdivision of state government, operating under a charter issued by the Secretary of State in 1965. It is governed by a five-member board of supervisors who are responsible for its activities. Supervisors are elected on the day of the regular general election. Incumbents terms terminate on December 31 and successors begin holding office on January 1. Mid-term vacancies are filled by appointment by the Board of Supervisors. Supervisors may serve any number of 4 year terms. There are two key aspects to the role of a supervisor on an SWCD board: policy development and annual and long-range plans and budgets.  The current Lake SWCD leadership through the Board of Supervisors by District are listed below.  Tara Solem is the District Manager whom oversees grant agreements, manages grants, projects, and staff and is a conduit to the Lake County SWCD Board of Supervisors.  She can be reached at 218-834-8370 and emailed at Tara.Solem@co.lake.mn.us.

Lake County SWCD Supervisor Districts PDFDownload PDF

The election is coming up. Learn about the role of a Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor

SWCD Supervisors serve as locally elected leaders who help guide the mission, priorities and
stewardship of their county’s SWCD.

Because Supervisors are locally elected, they bring citizen voice and local knowledge directly into the
natural resource decision making. They advocate for local conservation, influence policy and approve
conservation projects. They are actively involved in their community and may participate in district, state
and regional events. Supervisors serve 4-year terms and are compensated for their time, expenses and
travel.

To qualify as a candidate, you must be:

  • at least 21 years old,
  • an eligible voter,
  • a resident of your district,
  • and (with limited exceptions), only be running for this office.
    To apply, you must first file an affidavit of candidacy with your county in the Spring of an SWCD election
    year. Elections occur in November. After elections, Supervisors take an Oath of Office and begin their 4-
    year term in January.

Step Up!
Minnesota depends on local leaders who care deeply about protecting what makes our state
extraordinary. As an SWCD Supervisor, you can be a trusted voice for your community. Step up and shape
the future of conservation. Create a legacy that lasts for generations.

Contact Lake County SWCD to learn more.

The Role of a Supervisor onepager 2026Download