How Mississippi Conservation Districts Work
Mississippi's soil and water conservation districts are the local arm of the state's conservation system. They help landowners deal with erosion, water quality and land use, and they are run by local commissioners rather than distant officials. The Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission, a state agency in Jackson, supports them. Rules and programs change, so confirm details with your district office before you plan a project.
82 Districts
The Commission says its most important and time-consuming program is assisting the state's 82 districts, mainly by training commissioners and district employees and helping districts carry out their programs. The Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts, a nonprofit founded in 1945, represents all 82 districts.
The system dates to 1938, when the legislature recognized that soil was deteriorating rapidly from erosion and passed the Soil Conservation Law, per the Commission's about page. The law let counties organize local districts, and each district is a subdivision of state government.
The Board of Commissioners
Each district is governed by a board of commissioners. DeSoto County, for example, lists five commissioners, three elected in a countywide vote by landowners and two appointed by the Commission on the recommendation of the district board. Districts may also appoint up to five unpaid deputy commissioners, who help carry out the district's cooperative program. The makeup of your own board may differ, so ask your district.
How Commissioners Are Chosen
According to the Commission's district documents page, the Commission pays the expenses of district elections and supervises how they are conducted. District commissioners and employees help recruit qualified people to serve. Commission staff provide guidance on elections and appointments, and the Commissioners' Handbook covers election criteria. Ask your district office how long terms run and when the next election is.
What Districts Do for Landowners
The Commission's 2026-2030 strategic plan lists these services:
- District assistance: Natural Resources Specialists help districts with budgets, personnel, purchasing, education and commissioner elections.
- Water quality cost share: practices include grade stabilization structures, pasture and hay planting, fencing, tanks and troughs, stream bank and shoreline protection, nutrient management, and ponds.
- Equipment loans: districts use a revolving loan fund to buy equipment for landowners, tracked as no-till drills, lime spreaders and sprayers.
- Watershed dam repair: the Commission works with USDA-NRCS to rehabilitate aging high-hazard flood control structures.
- Surface mining review: reclamation plans and bond releases are reviewed with the districts.
- Feral swine: districts offer demonstrations and education on trapping and disposal.
The Commission's Section 319 program helps agricultural landowners in selected impaired watersheds, including Sherman Creek, Platner Bayou, Fuller Creek-Town Creek and Upper Piney Creek. It covers up to 60 percent of project costs, with a 40 percent landowner match, and participation is voluntary. Ask your district or the Commission how to apply and what each practice pays.
The State Commission
The Commission is at 680 Monroe Street, Suite B, Jackson, MS 39202, phone (601) 354-7645, per its about page. It works with district commissioners across the state and meets quarterly to review service performance, per the strategic plan.
How Districts Are Funded
Per the strategic plan, district assistance and surface mining work are paid from General Fund appropriations, and water quality from a special fund appropriation. Other sources include Section 319 Clean Water Act funds through MDEQ, USDA-NRCS funds, and watershed repair bond money issued in fiscal years 2015 and 2020.
Youth Programs
The Mississippi Envirothon is an annual environmental contest for grades 9 through 12. The 2026 handbook set area contests for March 4, 2026, and the state contest for April 16, 2026, at the FFA Center in Raymond. Teams have five members plus one alternate. The 2026 current issue was non-point source pollution, and the national NCF-Envirothon was held at Mississippi State University in Starkville July 19 to 25, 2026. The 2024 handbook shows the format: forestry, wildlife, aquatic ecology, soils and land use, and a current issue, with one FFA team allowed per school.
The youth camp is open to students going into grades 10 through 12 or recently graduated. Applications go through your local district.
Practical Tips
- Call your county district office first and ask which programs are open in your watershed.
- Bring a map or aerial photo of the problem area.
- Ask about borrowing a no-till drill, lime spreader or sprayer before you buy one.
- Students should ask the district about the youth camp and Envirothon early in the school year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many conservation districts does Mississippi have?
82.
Who elects the commissioners?
Landowners in the district vote on the elected seats, and the Commission supervises the elections.
Can I borrow district equipment?
Districts use the equipment loan fund to make tools available to landowners. Ask your district what it has.
How does a student attend youth camp?
Apply through your local district.
Mississippi Listings Covered by This Guide
- Adams County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 110 Northgate Road, Suite C, Natchez, where Adams County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
110 Northgate Road, Suite C, Natchez, MS 39120 | 601-442-5351 - Alcorn County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 3103 Mullins Drive, Corinth, where Alcorn County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
3103 Mullins Drive, Corinth, MS 38834 | 662-287-7223 - Amite County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 100 Roberts Road, Liberty, where Amite County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
100 Roberts Road, Liberty, MS 39645 | 601-657-8085 - Attala County Soil and Water Conservation District
Attala County SWCD in Kosciusko offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. The office is on Veterans Memorial Drive. Call (662) 290-0702.
502 Veterans Memorial Dr., Kosciusko, MS 39090 | (662) 290-0702 - Attala County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 502 Veterans Memorial Drive, Kosciusko, where Attala County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
502 Veterans Memorial Drive, Kosciusko, MS 39090 | 662-290-0702 - Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District
Benton County SWCD in Ashland offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. The office is on Boundary Drive. Call (662) 224-3379.
16068 Boundary Dr., Ashland, MS 38603 | (662) 224-3379 - Benton County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 16068 West Boundary Drive, Ashland, where Benton County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
16068 West Boundary Drive, Ashland, MS 38603 | 662-224-3379 - Bolivar County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 123 South Court Street, Cleveland, where Bolivar County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
123 South Court Street, Cleveland, MS 38732 | 662-846-1448 - Calhoun County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 411 S. Main Street, Calhoun City, where Calhoun County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
411 S. Main Street, Calhoun City, MS 38916 | 662-628-8732 - Carroll County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 12836 Hwy 35, Carrollton, where Carroll County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
12836 Hwy 35, Carrollton, MS 38917 | 662-237-0198 - Chickasaw County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 415 Lee Horn Drive, Houston, where Chickasaw County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
415 Lee Horn Drive, Houston, MS 38851 | 662-456-1499 - Choctaw County Soil and Water Conservation District
Choctaw County SWCD in Ackerman offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. The district keeps its office on South Louisville Street. Call (662) 285-6250.
571 S. Louisville Street, Ackerman, MS 39735 | (662) 285-6250 - Choctaw County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 571 South Louisville Street, Ackerman, where Choctaw County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
571 South Louisville Street, Ackerman, MS 39735 | 662-285-6250 - Claiborne County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 1204 Market Street, Port Gibson, where Claiborne County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
1204 Market Street, Port Gibson, MS 39150 | 601-437-8121 - Clarke County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 109 East Donald Street, Suite 4, Quitman, where Clarke County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
109 East Donald Street, Suite 4, Quitman, MS 39355 | 601-776-9009 - Clay County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 44 North Jackson Street, West Point, where Clay County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
44 North Jackson Street, West Point, MS 39773 | 662-494-6344 - Coahoma County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 2655 North State St., Rm 103, Clarksdale, where Coahoma County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
2655 North State St., Rm 103, Clarksdale, MS 38614 | 662-624-8727 - Copiah County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 27169 Highway 28, Suite A, Hazlehurst, where Copiah County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
27169 Highway 28, Suite A, Hazlehurst, MS 39083 | 601-894-1118 - Covington County Soil and Water Conservation District
Covington County SWCD in Collins offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. It sits on Highway 49 at Suite 10. Call (601) 765-6311.
3193 Hwy 49, Suite 10, Collins, MS 39428 | (601) 765-6311 - Covington County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 3193 Hwy 49 South, Suite 20, Collins, where Covington County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
3193 Hwy 49 South, Suite 20, Collins, MS 39428 | 601-765-6311 - DeSoto County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 3260 Hwy 51 South, Hernando, where DeSoto County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
3260 Hwy 51 South, Hernando, MS 38632 | 662-429-8687 - Forrest County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 191 WSF Tatum Blvd., Suite C, Hattiesburg, where Forrest County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
191 WSF Tatum Blvd., Suite C, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 | 601-583-1184 - Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District
Franklin County SWCD in Meadville offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. Mail goes to P.O. Box 158. Call (601) 384-2310.
Meadville, MS 39653 | (601) 384-2310 - Franklin County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at Walnut Street South, Meadville, where Franklin County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
Walnut Street South, Meadville, MS 39653 | 601-384-2310 - George County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 111 Ventura Drive, Suite C, Lucedale, where George County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
111 Ventura Drive, Suite C, Lucedale, MS 39452 | 601-766-3962 - Grenada County USDA Service Center (NRCS)
USDA service center at 2330 Sunset Drive, Suite B, Grenada, where Grenada County landowners can ask about NRCS conservation planning, cost-share programs and soil and water help. Press 3 after the main number for NRCS.
2330 Sunset Drive, Suite B, Grenada, MS 38901 | 662-226-4441 - Holmes County Soil and Water Conservation District
Holmes County SWCD in Lexington offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. The district is on Highway 12 West. Call (662) 834-4688.
20227 Hwy 12 West, Lexington, MS 39095 | (662) 834-4688 - Humphreys County Soil and Water Conservation District
Humphreys County SWCD in Belzoni offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. It is based on West Jackson Street. Call (662) 247-8732.
304 West Jackson St., Belzoni, MS 39038 | (662) 247-8732 - Itawamba County Soil and Water Conservation District
Itawamba County SWCD in Fulton offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. The district clerk handles the office on Mueller Brass Road. Call (662) 862-9794.
201 Mueller Brass Road, Fulton, MS 38843 | (662) 862-9794 - Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District
Jasper County SWCD in Bay Springs offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. The office is on East 8th Avenue. Call (601) 764-2025.
20 B East 8th Ave., Bay Springs, MS 39422 | (601) 764-2025 - Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District
Jefferson County SWCD in Fayette offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. Mail goes to P.O. Box 306. Call (601) 786-3181.
Fayette, MS 39069 | (601) 786-3181 - Kemper County Soil and Water Conservation District
Kemper County SWCD in DeKalb offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. A fax line, (601) 743-9070, is also published. Call (601) 743-9588.
1001 Hopper Avenue, DeKalb, MS 39328 | (601) 743-9588 - Lafayette County Soil and Water Conservation District
Oxford conservation district office in the Agricultural Service Center that offers landowners incentives for erosion control and water protection.
2608 West Oxford Loop, Oxford, MS 38655 | 662-234-8701 - Lamar County Soil and Water Conservation District
Lamar County SWCD in Purvis offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. The office is on Highway 589. Call (601) 794-5600.
235 Highway 589, Purvis, MS 39475 | (601) 794-5600 - Leake County Soil and Water Conservation District
Leake County SWCD in Carthage offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. It is in Suite 3 on Highway 16 West. Call (601) 298-9101.
506 Hwy 16 West, Suite 3, Carthage, MS 39051 | (601) 298-9101 - Lee County Soil and Water Conservation District
Lee County SWCD in Tupelo offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. It works from Suite 1 on Cliff Gookin. Call (662) 680-9991.
3098 Cliff Gookin, Suite 1, Tupelo, MS 38801 | (662) 680-9991 - Lowndes County Soil and Water Conservation District
Conservation district office in Columbus serving Lowndes County landowners with erosion control and water quality programs.
2282 Martin L. King Jr. Drive, Suite 1, Columbus, MS 39705 | 662-328-5921 - Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission
State agency created after the 1938 recognition of soil erosion problems; it supports county soil and water conservation districts and has a 13-member commission.
680 Monroe Street, Suite B, Jackson, MS | (601) 354-7645 - Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District
Monroe County SWCD in Aberdeen offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. Its office is in Suite 6 on Highway 145 North. Call (662) 369-0044.
517 Hwy 145 North, Suite 6, Aberdeen, MS 39730 | (662) 369-0044 - Perry County Soil and Water Conservation District
Perry County SWCD in New Augusta offers incentives to landowners who adopt conservation practices that reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. It operates from the county agricultural service center. Call (601) 964-3298.
Agricultural Service Center, New Augusta, MS 39462 | (601) 964-3298
Plus 15 more. Find yours on your county's page in the Mississippi directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.