It is the mission of the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to provide education, technical and financial expertise and assistance relating to environmental management to units of government, private landowners, other land users and other decision makers to facilitate the wise use and conservation of our natural resources.

The SWCD assists citizens and units of local government in making sound decisions regarding the management of soil, water, and related natural resources based on their priorities. We develop and implement programs and services as necessary to address the needs of the county.

Furthermore, SWCD strives to improve water quality, control and abate nonpoint sources of pollution, assist in the control of floods, protect the tax base, protect public lands, utilize resources to enhance the quality of life, and protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the county.

SWCD assists in the implementation of resource management decisions to accomplish these things by seeking and coordinating technical and financial assistance from federal, state, and local governments, and private sources.