Soil and Water officials report conservation work, upcoming equipment rentals and community events

Representatives from Soil and Water and the Natural Resources Conservation Service presented highlights from a 2025 report prepared by the Indiana Conservation Partnership and described recent outreach and equipment plans.

Matt Jarvis introduced himself: "My name is Matt Jarvis. I'm a district conservationist for Natural Resources Conservation Service." Jarvis said the partnership report outlines acres where conservation practices were installed, estimated pollutant reductions and a timeline of practice adoption. County staff described a back-to-school event run with the health department that distributed backpacks; "we ended up with 400 and, 3 community members showing up for the event," a staff member said. The district said it plans to add a drill and plot master to the rental fleet after acquiring used equipment from another county so citizens can rent them at reasonable rates.

Commissioners thanked the presenters and invited questions; staff said they will continue to coordinate with state partners and report future program details to the board.