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Announcements
Meetings held monthly at 9:30 AM; Growth Services Building, 2710 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala.
- Regular Board Meetings – 2nd Monday
- Workshops – 4th Monday – Tentatively (only meeting when necessary – call office to confirm)
Marion Soil & Water Conservation District
Our Purpose
The mission of the Marion Soil and Water Conservation District is to administer programs to conserve soil, improve water quality and enhance water quantity in Marion County.
Staff
District Executive Administrator: Ann Bishop
Ann handles all of the District business and public requests.
Email: Ann.Bishop@MarionFL.org
District Technician(s): Jeffery Platt
Tech(s) handle cost share programs administer by the District.
Email: Jeffery.Platt3@FDACS.gov
Cell Phone: (850) 756-5518
FDACS Cost Share Contact: Tammy Hinkle
Tammy is assisting in handling the cost share program administer by the District.
Email: Tammy.Hinkle@FDACS.gov
Cell Phone: (850) 815-1245
Board Members
Board of Supervisors
Seat One – Supervisor Justin Albright
- Term: 1/2023 – 1/2027
- Seat Two – Supervisor Richard McGinley
Term: 1/2023 – 1/2025
- Seat Three – Supervisor Brent London
Term: 1/2023 – 1/2027
- Seat Four – Supervisor Lee Black
Term: 1/2023 – 1/2025
- Seat Five – Vice Chairman/Treasurer Vivi Serena
Term: 1/2023 – 1/2027
Board Meetings
- Regular – 2nd Monday of Every Month at 9:30 am
- Workshops – Tentative (4th Monday of the Month)
Check for updates or changes on our home page & calendar
Board Supervisors’ & Staff’s Contact Info:
www.marionsoilandwater.org
Main Email: Ann.Bishop@MarionFL.org
Main Phone: (352) 438-2475
2710 E Silver Springs Blvd
Ocala, FL 34470
What We Do
Florida Legislature established Florida’s Soil & Water Conservation Districts, a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida, in 1937, under Florida Statutes 582. The Districts were initiated by local residents for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the wise use, management and general conservation of soil, water and related natural resources. The Marion Soil and Water Conservation District is committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Marion County through conservation of its natural resources.
The Marion Soil & Water Conservation District (MSWCD) works closely with other agencies, like the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), creating ways to conserve water, prevent soil erosion, and inform the public about conservation problems.
The District practices the Code of Ethics as stated by the Florida Commission on Ethics.
The Marion Soil & Water Conservation District operates under Florida Statutes 582 under the Florida Legislature, since its creation on December 13, 1941.
Service Area
Each district has a board of supervisors that consists of five-member, non-partisan board of supervisors, who volunteer their services and manage each soil and water conservation district in their service area.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts are non-taxing and supported by maintaining relationships and partnerships with other government agencies.
Services Provided
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Assist land owners in their efforts to secure financial assistance to implement conservation practices
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Conservation education, programs and information
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Assist growers with development of low volume irrigation systems
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Develop and update irrigation water management plans
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Soil surveys, plat books and historical maps
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Local government advice and assistance
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Youth educational contests and an educational scholarship
Educational Programs
The Marion Soil and Water Conservation District sponsors a number of programs that serve the Marion County communities. Through community support and fundraising efforts, the district is working to build the number of services we are able to offer.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of these programs, in having a district supervisor work with you on a project or in offering your support for our work, please contact us.
Go here to see Upcoming Contests & Events
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Financials
Budget Information
The District’s fiscal year begins October 1st of every year through September 30th of the following year. The District’s contracts through a partnership with the State, however, begin July 1st of the start of that contract year through June 30th of the terminating contract year.
The District receives their budget through the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, and the County posts the District’s budgets and amendments on the Marion County Clerk of Courts’ site.
To view the District and Board Supervisor’s financial disclosure reports, visit the Florida Commission of Ethics.
To view the District’s annual financial report, visit the Department of Financial Services.
The Board has the tentative budget for this fiscal year and the actual budgets for the last two years; as well as, the most recent financial audit as follows:
The Marion Soil & Water Conservation District’s revenue comes through donations, fundraising, grants, and FDACS administrative fees, when applicable. The District may also receive interest on their financial account(s) through their bank. In addition, the District sells plat books, soil survey CDs, and Farm of Environmental District signs, but these are a revenue loss, since their production cost is more than they receive in their net sales of these items.
Get in Touch!
Contact name: Ann Bishop
Phone: (352) 438-2475
2710 E Silver Springs Blvd
Ocala, FL 34470