LIPSCOMB - The Panhandle Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts will meet Tuesday, August 21, with a program of local interest beginning at 10:00 a.m. in Lipscomb at the old Lipscomb School located at 202 Main. During the business session speakers from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service will update Soil and Water Conservation District directors on state and national soil and water conservation programs and issues.

Twenty-five soil and water conservation districts in the Panhandle region of the state are members of the Panhandle Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Counties which the SWCDs serve include Dallam, Sherman, Hansford, Ochiltree, Lipscomb, Hartley, Moore, Hutchinson, Roberts, Hemphill, Oldham, Potter, Carson, Gray, Wheeler, Deaf Smith, Randall, Armstrong, Donley, Collingsworth, Parmer, Castro, Swisher, Briscoe, Hall, and Childress Counties.

Local SWCDs coordinate the implementation of and deliver coordinated natural resource conservation programs to farmers and ranchers. Additionally, SWCDs participate in planning, implementing, and managing programs for preventing and abating agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint sources of water pollution. Soil and Water Conservation Districts also participate in a water supply enhancement program through the targeted control of water-depleting brush. They also work to ensure local flood control dams are protecting lives and property by providing operation, maintenance, and structural repairs.