Our Story

After the success of federal conservation programs in the early 1930s, President Franklin Roosevelt endorsed a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) plan to create state and local soil conservation programs. Following much deliberation in the state of Texas, H.B. 20 was signed on April 20, 1939 by Governor W. Lee O’Daniel. This law was based on three key principles: farmers and ranchers determined whether a soil conservation district was necessary, programs would be controlled by landowners, and districts would not have power of eminent domain or to collect taxes. Under this law, Trinity-Neches Soil & Water Conservation District was established in 1940.

Today, Trinity-Neches Soil & Water Conservation District serves Henderson County, the southern third of Van Zandt County, and the northern third of Anderson County. Through partnerships with other agricultural agencies, providing technical and cost-share assistance, and regular contact with constituents, Trinity-Neches SWCD achieves its goal of serving landowners and our natural resources.