north platte river

HISTORY

Locally Led Conservation

History has shown us that locally led conservation is one of the most effective ways to help landowners and communities achieve their conservation goals.  The Board of Supervisors recognizes natural resource policy decisions are on-going and dynamic.

People define themselves by “their land”. The land and all its resources is among the most basic and important assets of a community.

Natural Resources

Natural resources provide all the necessary ingredients for survival-food, water, shelter, and room to roam. People, livestock, wildlife, water, soil, open spaces and abundant grasses, plants and trees are clearly included in this concept.

 District Facts

  • 2.7 million acres in size
  • 37% private land
  • 58% public land
  • 5% state land

SERCD occupies the center of Carbon County and includes public and private lands and the largest urban areas in the county.  Elevations in the District range from 12,000 foot alpine tundra of the Snowy Range in the south to 5,800 foot sagebrush steppes at the extreme northern edge of the District near Pathfinder Reservoir.  The North Platte River is the major water body within the District.  The Upper North Platte is the dominate watershed but there are also portions of six other watersheds within District boundary.

Here to Serve Since 1945

Since 1945, the Saratoga-Encampment-Rawlins Conservation District (SERCD) has been a local leader in natural resource issues. That year area ranchers concerned with erosion issues organized Soil & Water Conservation District No. 16 which is now SERCD.

The responsibility to maintain and improve resources is being carried out each through District programs and projects, education outreach, input on land use issues and by bringing various interested parties together to achieve a common goal.

The challenges facing the District in the years ahead are complex. The District will move forward with the same vision and work ethic established by those local ranchers back in 1945-locally led conservation efforts provide the most benefit for local residents and maintain natural resources for future generations.