The Popo Agie Conservation District (PACD) was formed in 1942 in response to the Dust Bowl Era of the 1930’s. At the time Popo Agie Conservation District was created, a national movement was taking place to provide local leadership to address soil erosion concerns. In addition to soil erosion, the Popo Agie Conservation District now addresses many current natural resource issues including water quality and watershed planning, water quantity, land use planning, agriculture, and conservation education.

In 1937, President Roosevelt asked all state governors to promote legislation to allow the formation of conservation districts.  In 1941, our State Legislature passed an enabling act which established conservation districts in Wyoming.  In 1942, the Popo Agie Conservation District was formed.  Wyoming conservation districts function under Wyoming State Statute Title 11 Chapter 16.  Therefore, PACD is charged with the following:

Legislative declarations and policy as reprinted from W.S.S. 11-16-103

(a) It is hereby declared that the farm and grazing lands of Wyoming are among the basic assets of the state; that improper land use practices cause and contribute to serious erosion of these lands by wind and water; that among the  consequences which would result from such conditions are the deterioration of soil and its fertility and the silting and sedimentation of stream channels, reservoirs, dams and  ditches; that to conserve the soil, and soil and water resources, and prevent and control soil erosion, it is necessary that land use practices contributing to soil erosion be discouraged and that appropriate soil conserving land use practices be adopted.

(b) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to provide for the conservation of the soil, and soil and water resources of this state, and for the control and prevention of soil erosion and for flood prevention for the conservation,  development, utilization, and disposal of water, and hereby to stabilize ranching and  farming operations, to preserve natural resources, protect the tax base, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, preserve wildlife, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this state.