How Kentucky Conservation Districts Work
Kentucky's conservation districts are local units of state government that help landowners and producers deal with soil erosion, water quality and other natural resource problems. They are run by elected volunteers, backed by a state division, and often the doorway to cost share money for fencing, stream protection and other conservation practices. If you farm, raise livestock, manage woodland or own acreage in Kentucky, your county's district is worth knowing.
121 Districts, Mostly One Per County
Kentucky has 121 conservation districts, generally organized on county lines. According to the state's conservation page, the exception is Logan County, which has two districts. The Conservation District Supervisors' Handbook says Henderson County was the last district organized, in 1954, and that 847 supervisors serve statewide. Because boundaries follow counties, your county tells you your district. Districts help landowners and land users solve soil and water problems, set conservation priorities and coordinate federal, state and local resources.
The Board of Supervisors
Each district is governed by a seven-member board of supervisors elected by registered voters in that district. The supervisors' handbook lays out the basics:
- Terms: four years, starting January 1 after the election. Elections are held every two years, with three seats up in one cycle and four in the next.
- Pay: the job is voluntary and unpaid. Supervisors may receive expense reimbursement or a per diem, but not both.
- Who can serve: a resident of the county who meets the qualifications in KRS Chapter 262. A supervisor cannot hold another elected office while serving, and cannot be a district employee unless they resign from the board.
- Duties: attend board meetings, oversee district staff, approve the annual plan of work and budget, manage district finances and keep up partnerships with agencies and the community.
How Supervisors Are Elected
Candidates file a nominating petition with the County Clerk, signed by at least 25 qualified voters in the county, by the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June. Then one of three things happens:
- If nominees equal the vacancies, the Soil and Water Conservation Commission declares them elected.
- If there are more nominees than vacancies, the names go on the ballot at the next general election.
- If there are fewer nominees than vacancies, write-in candidates may be elected.
The Commission can also fill vacancies by appointment, based on a petition from the board. Check with your county clerk for current filing details.
What Districts Do for Landowners
The state's conservation page describes a menu of help:
- State cost share: helps landowners address existing soil erosion, water quality and other environmental problems tied to farming or woodland operations. Per the handbook, the Soil Erosion and Water Cost Share Program helps agricultural and forestry producers install best management practices, with approved applicants eligible for up to $20,000 and a year to finish installation, with extensions available.
- Environmental grants: funded through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, these go to districts to reduce agricultural nonpoint source pollution to surface or groundwater.
- Equipment Revolving Loan Program: administered by the state Division of Conservation, in effect since 1948.
- Agriculture Water Quality Act: aims to protect surface and groundwater from pollution caused by agriculture and forestry.
Cost share rules and limits change, so ask your district for current program details before you plan a project.
The Division of Conservation and the State Commission
The Division of Conservation, created by the 1946 General Assembly, gives all 121 districts administrative, financial, technical and educational support. It runs the cost share programs, the agricultural district program and watershed conservancy district assistance, and staffs the Agriculture Water Quality Authority. Its field representatives advise districts and provide training.
The Soil and Water Conservation Commission oversees the district system, approves board appointments and sets policy. It has nine members, each representing one of nine conservation areas. Each must be a district supervisor and serves a four-year term. They are nominated by districts in their area and appointed by the Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary with the governor's approval. No more than five may belong to one political party.
How Districts Are Funded
Local operating money may come from the county general fund or a millage tax on real property requested through the fiscal court. State direct aid is set by the General Assembly and allocated through the Districts in Good Standing process. Grants, donations and co-sponsorships add income. Districts are not 501(c)(3) organizations, and money can be spent only if it is in an approved budget. Federal Nonpoint Source Pollution funds under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act come to districts on a 60/40 basis, with the district paying 40 percent.
Youth Programs
Districts also run education programs for students. Envirothon is a problem-solving competition for grades 9 through 12, in existence since 1999. The state sponsors an art contest, running since 1974, and a writing contest, running since 1944. Kentucky FFA also lists Envirothon among its events.
Practical Tips
- Call your county district office before starting a stream, pasture or erosion project, and ask what cost share is open.
- Bring a map or aerial photo of your property.
- If you want to serve, ask about the June petition deadline well before it arrives.
- Ask about the youth contests if you teach or have school-age children.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many conservation districts does Kentucky have?
121, generally one per county, with two in Logan County.
Are supervisors paid?
No. The position is voluntary, though expense reimbursement or a per diem is possible.
How long is a term?
Four years, beginning January 1 after the election.
How many signatures do I need to run?
A nominating petition with at least 25 qualified voters from the county.
Who supports the districts?
The Division of Conservation in the Energy and Environment Cabinet, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort.
Kentucky Listings Covered by This Guide
- Allen County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Allen County, Kentucky, with its office on 77 Woodland Circle Dr. in Scottsville; reachable at 270-237-3164 for conservation programs.
77 Woodland Circle Dr., Scottsville, KY 42164 | 270-237-3164 Website - Anderson County Conservation District
Office of the Anderson County Conservation District in Lawrenceburg (street address 1067 Corporate Dr.), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
1067 Corporate Dr., Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 | 502-604-6101 Website - Ballard County Conservation District
Ballard County conservation district office at 1156 Kentucky Ave., PO Box 125 in Kevil, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
1156 Kentucky Ave., PO Box 125, Kevil, KY 42053 | 270-462-8561 Website - Barren County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Barren County, Kentucky, with its office on 207 YMCA Way in Glasgow; reachable at 270-629-2081 for conservation programs.
207 YMCA Way, Glasgow, KY 42141 | 270-629-2081 Website - Bath County Conservation District
Office of the Bath County Conservation District in Owingsville (street address 71 Miller Dr., Unit 7), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
71 Miller Dr., Unit 7, Owingsville, KY 40360 | 606-674-2121 Website - Bell County Conservation District
Bell County conservation district office at 10524 US Highway 25E in Pineville, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
10524 US Highway 25E, Pineville, KY 40977 | 606-441-1525 Website - Berea College Agriculture and Natural Resources
Agriculture and natural resources program at Berea College. One of the ag campuses that Kentucky agriculture officials point students toward.
Berea, KY Website - Boone County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Boone County, Kentucky, with its office on 6028 Camp Ernst Rd. in Burlington; reachable at 859-586-7903 for conservation programs.
6028 Camp Ernst Rd., Burlington, KY 41005 | 859-586-7903 Website - Bourbon County Conservation District
Office of the Bourbon County Conservation District in Paris (street address 1440 High Street), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
1440 High Street, Paris, KY 40361 | 859-987-1295 Website - Boyd County Conservation District
Boyd County conservation district office at 12250 Midland Trail Rd. in Ashland, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
12250 Midland Trail Rd., Ashland, KY 41102 | 606-928-8027 Website - Boyle County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Boyle County, Kentucky, with its office on 448 N. Danville Bypass in Danville; reachable at 859-238-7461 for conservation programs.
448 N. Danville Bypass, Danville, KY 40422 | 859-238-7461 Website - Bracken County Conservation District
Office of the Bracken County Conservation District in Brooksville (street address 218 Frankfort St., PO Box 35), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
218 Frankfort St., PO Box 35, Brooksville, KY 41004 | 606-735-3256 Website - Breathitt County Conservation District
Breathitt County conservation district office at 1530 KY-15 in Jackson, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
1530 KY-15, Jackson, KY 41339 | 606-666-8085 Website - Breckinridge County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Breckinridge County, Kentucky, with its office on 1101 KY-261, Suite 102 in Hardinsburg; reachable at 270-756-1696 for conservation programs.
1101 KY-261, Suite 102, Hardinsburg, KY 40143 | 270-756-1696 Website - Bullitt County Conservation District
Office of the Bullitt County Conservation District in Mt. Washington (street address 1048 N. Bardstown Rd.), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
1048 N. Bardstown Rd., Mt. Washington, KY 40047 | 502-538-0628 Website - Butler County Conservation District
Butler County conservation district office at 216 W. Ohio St., PO Box 70 in Morgantown, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
216 W. Ohio St., PO Box 70, Morgantown, KY 42261 | 270-526-3784 Website - Caldwell County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Caldwell County, Kentucky, with its office on 320 Traylor St. in Princeton; reachable at 270-625-6420 for conservation programs.
320 Traylor St., Princeton, KY 42445 | 270-625-6420 Website - Calloway County Conservation District
Office of the Calloway County Conservation District in Murray (street address 88 Robertson Rd. S), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
88 Robertson Rd. S, Murray, KY 42071 | 270-873-3070 Website - Campbell County Conservation District
Campbell County conservation district office at 8350 E. Main St. in Alexandria, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
8350 E. Main St., Alexandria, KY 41001 | 859-635-9587 Website - Carlisle County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Carlisle County, Kentucky, with its office on 65 John Roberts Dr., Suite C, PO Box 502 in Bardwell; reachable at 270-628-3709 for conservation programs.
65 John Roberts Dr., Suite C, PO Box 502, Bardwell, KY 42023 | 270-628-3709 Website - Carroll County Conservation District
Office of the Carroll County Conservation District in Carrollton (street address 214 Park Ave.), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
214 Park Ave., Carrollton, KY 41008 | 502-732-6098 Website - Carter County Conservation District
Carter County conservation district office at 526 E. Main St. in Grayson, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
526 E. Main St., Grayson, KY 41143 | 606-898-2619 Website - Casey County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Casey County, Kentucky, with its office on 46 Farmers Deposit Dr., Suite 200 in Liberty; reachable at 606-787-2017 for conservation programs.
46 Farmers Deposit Dr., Suite 200, Liberty, KY 42539 | 606-787-2017 Website - Christian County Conservation District
Office of the Christian County Conservation District in Hopkinsville (street address 3237 Eagle Way), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
3237 Eagle Way, Hopkinsville, KY 42240 | 270-885-8688 Website - Clark County Conservation District
Clark County conservation district office at 667 Tech Dr. in Winchester, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
667 Tech Dr., Winchester, KY 40391 | 859-744-2322 Website - Clay County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Clay County, Kentucky, with its office on 102 Richmond Rd., Suite 204 in Manchester; reachable at 606-598-5132 for conservation programs.
102 Richmond Rd., Suite 204, Manchester, KY 40962 | 606-598-5132 Website - Clinton County Conservation District
Office of the Clinton County Conservation District in Albany (street address 801 Tennessee Rd., Suite C), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
801 Tennessee Rd., Suite C, Albany, KY 42602 | 606-387-5196 Website - Crittenden County Conservation District
Crittenden County conservation district office at 118 E. Bellville St. in Marion, one of the state's county districts that work with landowners on soil, water and land stewardship.
118 E. Bellville St., Marion, KY 42064 | 270-965-3921 Website - Cumberland County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Cumberland County, Kentucky, with its office on 329 Keen St., PO Box 228 in Burkesville; reachable at 270-864-2606 for conservation programs.
329 Keen St., PO Box 228, Burkesville, KY 42717 | 270-864-2606 Website - Daviess County Conservation District
Office of the Daviess County Conservation District in Owensboro (street address 3100 Alvey Park Dr. West), serving farmers and landowners in the county.
3100 Alvey Park Dr. West, Owensboro, KY 42303 | 270-685-1707 Website - Edmonson County Conservation District
Edmonson County Conservation District works from 100 Washington St. PO Box 248 in Brownsville; it is the local soil and water conservation district office for landowners and farmers in Edmonson County, phone 270-597-2761.
100 Washington St. PO Box 248, Brownsville, KY 42210 | 270-597-2761 - Elliott County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Elliott County, Kentucky, based in Sandy Hook at 2932 KY-7 PO Box 557. Farmers and landowners can call 606-738-6222 for district services.
2932 KY-7 PO Box 557, Sandy Hook, KY 41171 | 606-738-6222 - Estill County Conservation District
The Estill County Conservation District office is in Irvine (ZIP 40336), at 1505 Richmond Rd., and serves agricultural and landowner conservation needs in the county.
1505 Richmond Rd., Irvine, KY 40336 | 606-723-5104 - Fayette County Conservation District
Fayette County Conservation District works from 141 Leestown Center Way, Suite 210 in Lexington; it is the local soil and water conservation district office for landowners and farmers in Fayette County, phone 859-202-1811.
141 Leestown Center Way, Suite 210, Lexington, KY 40511 | 859-202-1811 - Fleming County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Fleming County, Kentucky, based in Flemingsburg at 74 Byron Way, Suite B. Farmers and landowners can call 606-845-6291 for district services.
74 Byron Way, Suite B, Flemingsburg, KY 41041 | 606-845-6291 - Floyd County Conservation District
The Floyd County Conservation District office is in Prestonsburg (ZIP 41653), at 18 Mayo Branch Brandy Keg, and serves agricultural and landowner conservation needs in the county.
18 Mayo Branch Brandy Keg, Prestonsburg, KY 41653 | 606-889-9800 - Franklin County Conservation District
Franklin County Conservation District works from 103 Lakeview Court in Frankfort; it is the local soil and water conservation district office for landowners and farmers in Franklin County, phone 502-352-2701.
103 Lakeview Court, Frankfort, KY 40601 | 502-352-2701 - Fulton County Conservation District
Local conservation district for Fulton County, Kentucky, based in Hickman at 1181 South 7th St.. Farmers and landowners can call 270-236-2418 for district services.
1181 South 7th St., Hickman, KY 42050 | 270-236-2418 - Gallatin County Conservation District
The Gallatin County Conservation District office is in Warsaw (ZIP 41095), at 395 US-42, and serves agricultural and landowner conservation needs in the county.
395 US-42, Warsaw, KY 41095 | 859-567-4441 - Garrard County Conservation District
Garrard County Conservation District works from 166 Precision Court in Lancaster; it is the local soil and water conservation district office for landowners and farmers in Garrard County, phone 859-792-2620.
166 Precision Court, Lancaster, KY 40444 | 859-792-2620
Plus 47 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Kentucky directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.