* Association of Illinois Soil & Water Executive Director Michael Woods sent this message on May 30…
Dear SWCD colleagues, stakeholders, and supporters,
Illinois’ 103rd General Assembly has finalized the FY25 budget. While many are celebrating, we on the frontlines of soil and water conservation are yet again disillusioned by a frontal attack that has landed at our doorsteps. As a recap, the governor proposed returning the state’s investment into Soil and Water Conservation Districts to pre-2000 funding levels ($4.5 million) for his FY25 budget, the director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture declared in the IDOA appropriations committee that this was the funding level proposed and that increased funding would have to be a legislative member-led initiative. Thus, AISWCD—on behalf of the state’s SWCDs—in partnership with many supporters (Illinois Soybean Association, Illinois Environmental Council, IEC, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, and others) banded together to engage our elected officials in the statehouse on several occasions. Many legislators (in both parties) declared their support and discontent with the proposed funding levels. Sadly, our supporters in the Senate were not able to adjust the funding levels as requested in the final $53.1 billion budget. And, our advocates in the House furthered the Senate by approving the FY25 budget late on Tuesday. It has now advanced to the governor’s office to be signed into law with a roughly 48% decrease in SWCD operational funding. […]
While the outcome we had advocated for did not come to fruition, we will find a path forward to ensure that the state’s essential Soil and Water Conservation Districts remain on the frontlines in protecting the state’s most vital natural resources…soil and water. […]
At this time, we must take the high road and find a path forward, and not dwell in the actions to cut SWCD funding and the attack on intergenerational equity and sustainable investing. Rather we must find a path forward to ensure that we: 1) diversify our treasury to become less dependent on volatile funding; 2) maintain service to our stakeholders to ensure the acceleration of locally-led efforts to conserve, protect, and restore the land and water across the state; and 3) engage those that value the frontline, boots-on-the-ground conservation agriculture essential to protect the stability and sustainability of Illinois.
At the federal level, the Biden administration has showcased a deep understanding and appreciation for conservation by investing an unprecedented amount into agricultural conservation across the nation. As we each are aware, these conservation commitments often fall short, and implementation—the real crux of field level conservation—lags far behind the promises in light of reduced technical assistance (operational) funding for frontline Soil and Water Conservation District staff. Nevertheless, now is the time we shall rise to the occasion and strive to elevate the same level of federal support through understanding at the state level. While the state’s return to pre-2000 funding for SWCD has taken place with the FY25 budget, we cannot allow these actions to decline our individual and collective ability to put in motion our shared mantra of healthy soil and clean water.
It is once again on us as the state’s Soil and Water Conservation District directors, staff, and stakeholders to ensure that we elevate the message across the state. Ensure that Illinois puts in motion the essential efforts to meet objectives of the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS), achieve grassroots conservation essential to protect the states vital natural resources, and raise the bar of climate resiliency across the state. […]
In closing, I remind you that now is the time for decisive, collective action. It’s time to demonstrate that the Illinois SWCD system will stay the course and respond to the immediate conservation crisis while shaping a recovery which prioritizes social and environmental outcomes through intergenerational investments of your time and talents, as we seek the treasures of those that truly value our individual and collective service today for tomorrow. The actions we collectively take over the coming weeks, months, and perhaps even years will lay the foundations for a more stakeholder-driven and sustainable environment — one that aligns conservation of our natural resources with the constituents and commitments of our state’s General Assembly and highest leadership.
* Woods later spoke with Brownfield Ag News…
Dr. Michael Woods tells Brownfield…
“We’re quite disillusioned with basically a frontal attack, you know, that has landed at our doorsteps.” He says, “We’re extremely disappointed that they’ve cut almost 50% of our funding to the direct line, boots-on-the-ground soil and water conservation districts that serve all 102 counties across the state.”
He says the 4 million dollar cut to SWCD operational grants will have an impact on farmers.
“And if we do not have frontline boots on the ground staff,” he says, “they are not able to work with our producers, our communities, our stakeholders all across the state to help them find access to the various cost share programs or just being aware on how do they put conservation into play on the field.”
* Farm Progress…
The operation budget for soil and water conservation districts across Illinois was cut nearly in half, according to Michael Woods, executive director for the Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Those funds pay salaries for SWCD technical staff, the folks who leverage millions of dollars in federal conservation funding for farmers and landowners, serving as a conduit for funneling those dollars to conservation-minded landowners. […]
The reduction comes as the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy deadline looms next year. Set in 2015, the NLRS goal is a 45% reduction in both nitrogen and total phosphorus loads, with interim targets set at a 15% nitrogen decrease and a 25% total phosphorus decrease by 2025. Results in 2023 showed nutrient loss numbers trending in the wrong direction, with nitrogen loads up 4.8% and phosphorus loads up 35%.
Woods calls their 2025 operations budget “pre-2000 funding levels.”
Their total budget allocation for 2025 is $7.5 million, and breaks down like this:
- $4.5 million for SWCD operations (salaries for local technical assistance employees)
- $3 million for cost-share initiatives implemented by SWCDs
For comparison, in 2024, the SWCD portion totaled $11.5 million, and all other allocations remained the same.
* Jen Walling…
Soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs) in Illinois are the only locally based infrastructure that protect Illinois’ soil and water. Cuts to these programs have cost taxpayers money through dirtier water and soil erosion, as well as harm to the environment and public health. To protect Illinois’s valuable soil and water, legislators and the governor should fully fund these programs and work harder to bring federal dollars to Illinois conservation programs.
While the state legislature voted to fully fund SWCDs in 2017, Gov. Bruce Rauner announced that he would only pay out a portion of the enacted budget. These cuts have left SWCDs with only one-third of their promised budget so far this fiscal year. Funding for SWCDs has been cut 70 percent since 2002, despite the proven effectiveness of these programs. In 2015, bipartisan support for these programs kept them open, despite the Rauner administration’s drive to zero out the budget for all SWCDs. […]
Illinois has also left millions of dollars in federal funding on the table that could have supported conservation and agriculture. As an example, Illinois has not received federal funding from the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program since 2006. This program matches every dollar that Illinois dedicates to a local landowner with $4 from the federal government. Not participating in the program has meant the loss of at least $50 million to the state. A smaller example of funding loss is the failure of Illinois to apply to the federal government for funding to enact the Food Safety Modernization Act. Illinois was one of only a handful of states not to receive funding — solely because we did not apply.
Illinois has made many short-sighted decisions with respect to its budget and our state resources. This is one of those decisions. Failure to protect these programs now will cost taxpayers in the future, leaving future Illinois residents with unsafe drinking water and less productive soil.
* Capitol News Illinois…
For Liz Rupel, lead organizer with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, the 2024 legislative season was “a mixed bag” when it comes to conservation in agriculture. While some conservation bills passed this legislative session, including increased funding for socially-disadvantaged farmers, more money for cover crop assistance programs, and funding toward planting native wetland and prairie plants, other bills that could have an impact did not pass, she said.
One of the “most devastating setbacks,” she said, is budget cuts for an important agricultural conservation program. The Soil and Water Conservation District’s operating budget was slashed in half. The organization provides technical assistance to farmers who implement conservation practices, like planting cover crops to prevent dust storms or installing or restoring a wetland on their property to prevent flooding.
* Brownfield Ag News…
The land use programs director with the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) says the organization is concerned about budget cuts to Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts.
Eliot Clay tells Brownfield the 4-million-dollar decrease will have an impact.
“There was a really big setback in Illinois.” He says, “The real world implications of this are going to be people not being able to retain their jobs with the districts, and districts just not being able to hire people in general.”
He says the work of soil & water conservationists is even more important because adverse weather events are increasing.
“We’re now seeing, you know, multiple dust storm warnings and advisories issued in central Illinois over the last two years, including a really devastating one that occurred on I-55 last year that led to a number of people losing their lives,” he says.
[Rich Miller contributed to this post.]
- btowntruthfromforgottonia - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:07 pm:
For some people who want some budget cuts:
Be careful what you wish for because you might get it.
- Downstate - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:18 pm:
As an aside, it’s fascinating to see the technology developments around reducing the usage of both fertilizers and herbicides.
Small robotic equipment is being developed to roll through the fields scanning for weeds. With a small shot of directed chemical, the weed is killed. This is far superior to the broadcast form of week control currently in use.
Similarly, planting technology holds the promise of delivering a small dose of fertilizer directly where needed, rather than with broadcast spreading.
The savings in input costs more than pays for the technology. And the run-off from broadcast spreading is eliminated…..helping to preserve our waterways.
- DuPage Saint - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:24 pm:
@Downstate. I don’t think there are farmers anymore. I think there are chemical engineers mechanical engineers, computer Rand robotics people. I have no idea how they can do it all. I can’t grow a tomato plant
- Central Ill - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:26 pm:
Interesting that Walling repeatedly mentioning the Rauner administration and not the current administration which is in its second term.
- Cool Papa Bell - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:27 pm:
=Small robotic equipment is being developed to roll through the fields scanning for weeds. With a small shot of directed chemical, the weed is killed. This is far superior to the broadcast form of week control currently in use.=
I’ll offer that you will notice this more on a traditional highboy spray rig than an army of robots (armed with cameras and AI tech to read the image). Top manufacturers all have some version of “see and spray”. Its a good conservation practice, but its also a good economic practice. Herbicide’s aren’t getting cheaper.
- Occasionally Moderated - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:28 pm:
Advances in ag equipment are certainly reducing the amount of fertilizers and herbicides used but our local SWCD do an incredible amount of work in helping farmers and land owners in planning and creating prairie and grassland habitats. These habitats clean our air and water, benefit wildlife and prevent erosion into streams and rivers. It is money well spent and frugally managed.
- Google Is Your Friend - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:34 pm:
==- Central Ill - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:26 pm:==
That article is from 2018, which you would know if you actually followed the link instead of leaving drive-by comments.
- Downstate - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:48 pm:
“I don’t think there are farmers anymore.”
Great point. One farmer told me that his son, a recent college graduate, was quite adept at taking a 20 year old tractors and retooling them to handle GPS steering needs. The physical aspect of farm labor has been supplanted by the needed technology knowledge
I think the technology enhancements in agriculture are just beginning. A recent breakthrough in plant breeding will allow for a “fuller” capture of the parent plant’s attributes.
Corn yield has increased by nearly 40% in the last 20 years. I think it could double in the next 10.
- Cool Papa Bell - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 2:19 pm:
@Downstate
There are farms within 40 minutes of the Capitol building testing and using nearly fully autonomous tractors.
- btowntruthfromforgottonia - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 2:27 pm:
- Central Ill - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 1:26 pm:
Interesting that Walling repeatedly mentioning the Rauner administration and not the current administration which is in its second term.
=================================================
The Walling opinion piece is from January 23,2018.
Who was the Governor then?
- Dupage - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 2:42 pm:
The hundreds of millions of dollars the state paid to support emergency shelter/food/medical for the migrants is going to result in tightening the belt in other areas of state spending. When and if the federal government reimburses the state for this money, some of these spending cuts might be able to be restored.
- Pot calling kettle - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 3:12 pm:
For comparison, the line for SWCD Operations and Practices:
2018 Rauner Budget Book
2016 actual: $408,000
2017 enacted: $5,596,400
2018 proposed: $5,572,300
2025 Pritzker Budget Book
2023 actual: $12,734,800
2024 enacted: $12,667,500
2025 proposed: $8,466,200
2018 was Rauner’s last budget (an election year budget that presumably was designed to appeal to farmers). Pritzker more than doubled the SWCD budget and is now cutting it by 1/3, but it is still significantly more than Rauner’s approps. I am wondering what the why is behind Pritzker’s cut; it’s a pretty small piece of the budget with a potentially large impact.
- John from Pike County - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 4:58 pm:
We need to have strong SWCDs in each county if we are to achieve our shared conservation goals of protecting our water and soil.
- Michael from Morgan County - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 4:59 pm:
Could not agree more, boots on the ground are needed if we are to put conservation in the fields and our communities.
- Illinois Conservationist - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 5:07 pm:
The SWCDs are the conservation front line in Illinois. Cuts to the association mean less support for farmers and less conservation on the ground. We need to find a long term solution to stabilize funding for the SWCD mission in 2025.
- Morgan County SWCD Supporter - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 6:02 pm:
Our county SWCD staff have partnered with a local community based farming non-profit to showcase conservation and local food production. Just one more activity that will be reduced without state funding for our SWCD staff.
- Illinois SWCD Supporter - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 6:03 pm:
Several Soil and Water Conservation District across the state runs a Backyard Conservation program to help community members start composts, implement rain gardens and understand how their own backyard can support the greater ecosystem.
- SWCD Resource Conservationist - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 6:10 pm:
What I like most about working for a Soil and Water Conservation District is the ability to work with local landowners and government to make an immediate difference for the quality and sustainability of our natural resources. Much of our work still takes years to see progress but you still get those opportunities to work with a willing landowner or agency and implement something that makes a difference for our future.
- SWCD Staff member - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 6:12 pm:
My fellow SWCD staff across the state help organize and implement outreach efforts to promote district programs and projects. They build public awareness and understanding of natural resource issues. Activities advanced include organizing workshops, developing and implementing outreach initiatives, and creating educational and outreach materials like brochures and newsletters. Our Illinois SWCD staff often have an environmental background and experience in education or communications.
- Franklin Roosevelt - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 6:18 pm:
History has a way of repeating itself…The dust storms and floods of the last few years have underscored the importance of programs to control soil erosion. I need not emphasize to you the seriousness of the problem and the desirability of our taking effective action, as a Nation and in the several States, to conserve the soil as our basic asset. The Nation that destroys its soil destroys itself.
- steve - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 7:00 pm:
If Illinois is serious about conservation and keeping the soil where it belongs, in the fields, it has sent a hypocritical message with this budget.
- Steve Warmowski - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 8:58 pm:
This isn’t just a downstate issue. I live in DuPage County, and there’s lots of Chicagoland folks who care about clean water and the environment. Soil & Water Conservation Districts are the front line in working with farmers who want to build their soil, sequester carbon, keep nutrients from running off, keep dust from blowing onto and closing highways, reduce chemicals in water reservoirs, and make waterways cleaner. Kane-DuPage SWCD also had an awesome native plant sale to help me feed the bees and butterflies. These local workers need our support.
- Steve Warmowski - Monday, Jun 24, 24 @ 8:58 pm:
This isn’t just a downstate issue. I live in DuPage County, and there’s lots of Chicagoland folks who care about clean water and the environment. Soil & Water Conservation Districts are the front line in working with farmers who want to build their soil, sequester carbon, keep nutrients from running off, keep dust from blowing onto and closing highways, reduce chemicals in water reservoirs, and make waterways cleaner. Kane-DuPage SWCD also had an awesome native plant sale to help me feed the bees and butterflies. These local workers need our support.
- Conservation farmer southern Illinois - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 5:15 am:
As a farmer it is very satisfying to plant crops into fields that weather the spring storms and heavy rain events with little or no erosion. No-til and cover crops make this possible. Planting into a green field and not a brown field takes guts and money, it can be intimidating but the rewards are possible. It might be said that this type of farming is a higher level of manaagement but is well worth it for the results of no dust and reduced erosion and soil health building. The local Soil and Water Conservation Districts do a good job of sponsoring worshops to help farmers like me gain confidence to make these important changes in the way we farm. Please keep up the good work.
- Henry County SWCD supporter - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 7:46 am:
The SWCD, in Henry County runs a rain barrel project, to allow residents to harvest and store rainwater from their roofs. Not only do rain barrels provide a free, clean source of water for your yard and garden but they also divert rainwater from overtaxed stormwater infrastructure to help alleviate flooding during storms.
- Native Prairie and Forest Health Advocate - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 7:49 am:
Several SWCDs across the state manage a number of forest and prairie restoration projects that strategically remove certain vegetation by hand, machine or using prescribed burns. These SWCD staff develop and implement comprehensive forest management plans and hazardous fuels reduction projects. This helps communities protect life, property, and critical infrastructure.
- Franklin Roosevelt - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 7:52 am:
The organization [and funding] of “soil conservation districts” as governmental subdivisions of the State is needed to carry on projects for erosion control, and to enact into law land-use regulations concerning soil erosion after such regulations have been approved in a referendum. Such legislation is imperative to enable farmers to take the necessary cooperative action.
- Wildlife Habitat Restoration - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 7:55 am:
Illinois SWCDs run a Habitat Restoration Programs to help landowners manage natural resource challenges on their property while improving habitat for local wildlife. Hundreds of farms and communities have added native plants to streambanks and removed damaged culverts with the help of their local SWCD staff.
- Champaign County SWCD - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 8:09 am:
Currently in Champaign County, SWCD staff are focusing efforts on improving water quality and nutrient loss by advancing the STAR program. A program that is empowering farmers and ranchers to choose conservation as the standard on all agricultural lands to ensure a legacy of clean, abundant water and healthy soils for future generations. This project has become a nationally recognized and replicated initiative. Through partnerships with other state and local agencies we endeavor to make changes that have real impacts in our communities. On an average day you can find SWCD staff like Champaign Counties inspecting active construction sites to ensure environmental compliance, educating children about the natural world, or assisting watershed volunteers in planting a streamside riparian buffer to improve water quality.
- Henry County SWCD - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 8:16 am:
Over 60% of land in Illinois is privately owned. That’s a lot of land! The health of our environment depends on how private landowners manages natural resources. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Best practices for managing a property depend on local ecology and community needs. This is why the 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts across Illinois exist today. Each one employs specialized experts to suit the needs of their community. Now is the time to support and retain the front-line, boots-on-the-ground SWCD staff.
- Madison County SWCD Supporter - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 8:20 am:
In this Urban/Agriculture county assistance is given to all residents in sediment and erosion control, streambank protection, water quality, wetlands, soil Health, to benefit all people. Cutting the funding in half hurts all these programs and cuts the services to the county
- Stark County SWCD - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 8:28 am:
Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts provide a wide range of services, resources, and opportunities for farmers, landowners, youth, and community alike.
- Ross Fogle/McLean County SWCD - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 8:45 am:
I pursued a career in conservation delivery because I saw the importance SWCDs provided to their local communities. I’m proud to work for farmers and landowners in McLean County. Our local area deserves the technical resources for farmland preservation that is provided by Illinois SWCDs. Conservation delivery is worth it to “The Prairie State” with a full investment.
- Randolph County SWCD - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 9:31 am:
SWCD’s staff members assist, deliver, and promote various State and Federal conservation programs, education fairs, and field days for the protection of our Illinois soil, water, and related natural resources.
- Wayne County SWCD - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 9:32 am:
Over 60% of land in Illinois is privately owned. That’s a lot of land! The health of our environment depends on how private landowners manages natural resources. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Best practices for managing a property depend on local ecology and community needs. This is why the 97 Soil and Water Conservation Districts across Illinois exist today. Each one employs specialized experts to suit the needs of their community. Now is the time to support and retain the front-line, boots-on-the-ground SWCD staff. We need the funding to make this happen.
- Thoughts from an AC - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 10:22 am:
The recent budget cuts have had a profound impact on many sectors, and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in Illinois are no exception.
As an Administrative Coordinator (AC), hearing that my job may only last for another six months to a year is personally devastating. However, the true catastrophe lies in how these cuts will affect the SWCDs across the state.
Despite my short tenure, I’ve witnessed firsthand how we stretch every dollar. The modest revenue we generate from fish and tree sales is reinvested into the community, underscoring our commitment to local conservation efforts.
Our Resource Conservationist (RC) exemplifies dedication, always shouldering the bulk of responsibilities, and taking on more than one person should to ensure our district’s sustainability. If my position were to be eliminated, my work will fall back on the RC. Filing, answering the phone and greeting customers will take time out of the RC’s schedule, which would be better spent doing the work they are so passionate about.
The situation is disheartening for all SWCDs in Illinois, as these budget cuts threaten the very fabric of our conservation efforts and the vital services we provide to our communities.
I guess we just need to keep pushing forward with one foot in front of the other and doing the best we can.
- Kendall County SWCD - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 10:33 am:
With intense flood and drought events becoming more common the need for conservation practices on the ground is more important than ever. Our county has seen dust storms, flooding, erosion, etc. Being able to help landowners implement conservation practices that will keep their soil and nutrients in place, build their soil health, and manage runoff is key if we want the ground to be able to withstand these weather events. We need the funding to be able to provide these services and opportunities to landowners.
- Montgomery Co. Conservation Farmer - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 12:31 pm:
The need for funding at last year’s rate is a necessity for the proper functioning of our local county SWCD office. With two drinking water lakes in the county serving over 2/3 of population with drinking water, a SWCD staff serves a vital function in the maintenance of clean drinking water within the county. Working with farmers and landowners with their boots on the ground is a necessity to accomplish this. However, inadequate funding does not assure the citizens of the county that someone is out in the rural areas working for them. Please step up to the plate and provide the funding for all 97 SWCDs across the State of IL.
- Ill Ike - Tuesday, Jun 25, 24 @ 7:12 pm:
It’s predicted in 20-30 years a water shortage in NE Illinois. Good soil and water conservation can protect surface water and help with ground water recharge. We all need to step up to the plate.
“Of all the questions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the great central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants that it is for us. “ Teddy Roosevelt (1910)
- Michael Woods, Loyal Conservation Advocate - Friday, Jun 28, 24 @ 8:01 am:
We truly appreciate the Governor and General Assembly for their commitment to conservation. For nearly 80 years, the proven ways to put conservation on the ground across the state in both rural and urban communities have been by investing in the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Fundamental state investments into the SWCD operational funding are imperative to retain the vital SWCD staff, while also ensuring that state funds can be leveraged to bring the once in a generation federal IRA conservation investment to Illinois to enable landowners, producers, and communities to take the necessary cooperative and voluntary actions to protect our states most vital natural resources.
- Michael Woods, Loyal Conservation Advocate - Friday, Jun 28, 24 @ 8:04 am:
Conservation is an active ongoing process, while the SWCD work across Illinois has been proven indispensable, much remains to be done. The need for elevated instatement from the state into the SWCD operational funds for the principal front-line boots on the ground staff is essential to put in action a commitment to conservation. While the Governor’s administration and General Assembly should be commended for the $3 million cost share funds that stayed steady, the reduced operational funding to $4.5 million significantly hinders the ability for the frontline boots on the ground SWCD staff to aid in advancing: 1) natural resource protection, 2) climate smart initiatives and 3) voluntary advancement of essential conservation practices.
- NPR Illinois: Dust Storm Havoc - Friday, Jun 28, 24 @ 10:08 am:
A great reminder why SWCDs are vital across the state at putting conservation on the ground as we face challenges associated with climate change and when it meets current agricultural practices….
https://www.nprillinois.org/springfield-il/2024-06-26/why-dust-storms-are-causing-havoc-on-i-55-and-how-we-can-reduce-the-risk