Overview of What We Do

The Caldwell-Travis SWCD utilizes state, federal, and private sector resources to provide solutions to landowners for today’s conservation priorities. The district shares information and technical expertise along with best management practice recommendations for conservation-focused land use. We are an active partner to help landowners meet their goals.

The SWCD is here to educate and encourage the wise and productive use of our natural resources. By ensuring the availability of resources for future generations, Texans' present and future can enjoy a clean, healthy environment and strong economic growth.

The district's primary responsibility is to carry out natural resources conservation programs by...

• Providing technical guidance in the form of recommending best management practices and a responsible landowner conservation plan with planning and design of conservation projects.

• Identifying financial assistance opportunities for landowners to develop and implement a complete soil and water conservation plan, with a special focus on the Plum Creek Watershed.

• Connecting landowners to education programs supporting the success of their operation.

• Reaching out to communities and schools to share the value of natural resources and encourage conservation efforts through environmental education and stewardship.

• Working with partner groups to coordinate the delivery of information resources, technical guidance and/or financial assistance as available.

Partnership with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

The Caldwell-Travis SWCD is co-located with the NRCS at the USDA Service Center in Lockhart. This shared office space is indicative of the shared nature of the missions of the district and the NRCS. The staff of both organizations work together to provide conservation planning services, practice implementation assistance, and other resources to the the local community.

As the NACD states, "Many of the voluntary, incentive-based natural resource programs that districts use to deliver conservation to landowners and operators are administered by NRCS. In implementing the state laws that created conservation districts, each governor has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the USDA, outlining their collaborative relationship. Each conservation district also has a more specific memo with the USDA NRCS. "

NRCS provides a great resource with its "Getting Started with NRCS" process.