News Release: FILE BEFORE JUNE 2 TO RUN FOR SWCD SUPERVISOR

People concerned about water quality, soil health, forests, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and natural resource stewardship in Kanabec County should consider filing by June 2, 2026, to run for the position of supervisor of the Kanabec Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

“SWCD Supervisors play an important role in representing the interests and priorities of the communities they serve,” said Jaren Peplinski, District Manager with Kanabec SWCD. “The Board helps provide local oversight and direction for conservation efforts in Kanabec County and works alongside staff and partners to support practical, locally driven conservation work.”

Those interested in running for supervisor should file at the Kanabec County Auditor’s Office between May 19 and June 2.

SWCDs are special-purpose units of government that manage and direct conservation programs at the local level. Important programs and priorities of Kanabec SWCD include watershed planning and implementation, conservation assistance for private landowners, forest stewardship, wetland conservation, and water quality protection. An elected board of supervisors governs each of Minnesota’s 88 SWCDs.

“We encourage people with an interest in conservation, agriculture, forestry, lakes, wildlife, or local natural resource issues to consider serving,” Peplinski said. “SWCD Supervisors help connect local priorities and local knowledge with real conservation work happening on the ground.”

This year, Kanabec SWCD has three supervisor positions up for election. SWCD candidates will appear on the ballot for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. SWCD candidates outside of Minnesota’s metro area are elected countywide but must reside within the supervisor district they represent.

The supervisor districts up for election this year are shown on the accompanying map and include:

• Position #2 – City of Mora (4-year term ending December 2030)
• Position #3 – Arthur Township, Kanabec Township, and the City of Ogilvie (special election; 2-year term ending December 2028)
• Position #4 – Comfort Township, Knife Lake Township, and Whited Township (4-year term ending December 2030)

SWCD supervisors meet monthly to discuss district business, including conservation priorities, state grant allocations, coordination with local governments and partner agencies, and other natural resource issues. Supervisors do not receive a salary but do receive compensation for attending meetings and expense reimbursements.

Additional information about SWCD supervisor elections, candidate filing, and more can be found online at https://www.kanabecswcd.org/elections or by calling the office at (320) 679-1391.