Water
Water conservation includes all the policies, strategies and activities made to sustainably manage the natural resource fresh water, to protect the water environment, and to meet the current and future human demand.
Soil
Soil Conservation is the name given to techniques aimed at preserving the soil. Soil loss and loss of soil fertility can be traced back to a number of causes including over-use, erosion, salinization and chemical contamination.
Wildlife
Healthy soil and water habitats generate many benefits for wildlife. Natural processes create healthy soil, clean and abundant water, fertile crops, and protection from flooding and climate extremes. Wildlife and nature offers cultural and spiritual benefits, recreational opportunities and an endless source of beauty.
Statement of Function
The Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District was organized for the purpose of developing a program of management and conservation of the soil, water and related natural resources of the County, and to promote and encourage the voluntary implementation of conservation practices on privately owned land. The Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District strives to accomplish one of the fundamental roles for the board of supervisors. Our role is to bring together, at the local level, all interested and affected parties, along with the support organizations charged with providing technical and administrative assistance, to develop and implement a plan to address resource concerns. Through a locally led consensus process, priorities are determined for conservation programs. The partners then work to implement programs that provide assistance to landowners, agricultural producers, and local residents. The District works in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA/NRCS).
Creation
Creation of the Charlotte Soil & Water Conservation District is authorized by the Soil and Water Conservation Law, Chapter 582, enacted by the State legislature in 1944.
Mission
Help producers in Charlotte County, FL improve production through conservation by connecting them to experts and financial resources.
Vision
The Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District will be recognized throughout the County as a leading resource partner with regards to all soil and water conservation projects, concerns, and decisions made with in our region.
Meetings
Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District meets the Tuesday of third full week of the month, excluding July and December.
Time: 3pm
Location: Centennial Park Recreation Center Meeting Room
- December 17, 2024
- No Meeting in December
3:00 pm - 4:00 pmNo Meeting in DecemberTime: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- No Meeting in December
- January 21, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
- January 22, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
- January 23, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
- January 24, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
- January 25, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
- January 26, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
- January 27, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
- January 28, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
4:00 pm - 5:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
- February 18, 2025
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
3:00 pm - 4:00 pmBoard of Supervisors MeetingTime: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Board of Supervisors Meeting
Our Service Area
The district provides a variety of services related to the conservation of our natural resources in Charlotte County. Please call or visit the office for more information at (941) 764-4354.
Our Programs
The Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District performs outreach and awareness throughout our community, often attending local events.
Our Board of Supervisors
Charlotte Soil & Water Conservation District is managed by 5 board supervisors. There is 1 supervisor for each district in Charlotte County. As of March 2024, these are the only members of the Charlotte Soil & Water Conservation District organization.
To contact a member of our board, send an email to info@cswcd.us.
2024 Agenda & Minutes
2023 Agenda & Minutes
Mike Elfenbein
Chairman, Seat 4
Mike currently serves as Chairman of the Charlotte County Soil and Water Conservation District dealing with legislative affairs and working with NRCS and the agriculture community to improve conservation efforts in Charlotte County. His recent projects include harvesting invasive water hyacinth and using it to renourish soil.
Duties & Responsibilities
Serves as the leader and facilitator of board meetings, ensuring effective communication and collaboration among members. They guide discussions, set agendas, and enforce rules of order. The Chairman provides strategic direction, aligning board decisions with the organization’s mission and vision. With a focus on governance, ethics, and accountability, the Chairman upholds regulatory compliance and promotes transparency.
No certifications or special training is required for this position.
Sue Hill
Co-Chairman, Seat 1
Sue owns farm land in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda growing a large variety of plants and animals. The animals she raises include chickens and turkeys. She rescues animals that need relocated due to local restrictions on owning certain types of pets in residential areas. Her Port Charlotte property has a wide variety of edible plants. Using her educations and experience as a geologist, she worked with NRCS to reviatlize the soil.
Duties & Responsibilities
The role of a Board Supervisor Co-Chairman is multifaceted, involving leadership, collaboration, and oversight. They share responsibilities with the chairman, ensuring effective governance, strategic direction, and adherence to objectives. Their duties encompass facilitating board meetings, fostering open communication among members, and mediating conflicts constructively. Moreover, they serve as ambassadors, representing the organization externally, fostering partnerships, and maintaining public trust.
No certifications or special training is required for this position.
David Schutz
Public Relations, Seat 2
David is owner of Heal Our Harbor, a 501(c)3 dedicated to testing and restoring the waters throughout Charlotte County. He has been a vital part of several community programs and workshops to train community ambassadors. He works tirelessly to educate our community leaders so they can make educated decisions that will restore and support our fragile harbor and waterways.
Duties & Responsibilities
Serves as the liaison between the CSWCD and the public, managing communication to uphold a positive image and foster transparency. Their role involves crafting press releases, responding to media inquiries, managing social media and organizing public events (if any). They cultivate relationships with media outlets to ensure accurate representation and promote the board’s objectives. Additionally, they monitor public opinion, providing insights to inform decision-making.
No certifications or special training is required for this position.
Lisa Baird
Secretary, Seat 5
Lisa Baird’s family is from Punta Gorda, owning one of the earliest homes built in Charlotte County (1918.) She currently lives in Port Charlotte where she raises chickens, aloe plants and some cabbage palm.
Duties & Responsibilities
Ensures smooth functioning and compliance to processes, document meetings, maintain accurate records, and distribute essential materials to board members. Acting as a liaison, they facilitate communication and provide support in decision-making processes. Additionally, they ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, maintaining the organization’s integrity and reputation.
No certifications or special training is required for this position.
Patrick Maley
Treasurer, Seat 3
Patrick served as a 4-H advisor for approximately 21 years, focusing on equine-related activities in Butler County, Ohio, from 1991 to 1998, and in Boone County, Kentucky, from 1996 to 2012. During 1995 to 2016, he owned and managed a horse farm with 25 horses, cows, goats, ducks, and chickens. Patrick also provided emergency transportation for large animals for medical.
Duties & Responsibilities
Responsible for managing financial affairs, including budgeting, financial planning, and oversight of funds. They maintain accurate records of income and expenditures, ensuring transparency and compliance with regulations. The treasurer plays a crucial role in financial decision-making and present financial reports to the board, highlighting key metrics and potential areas for improvement.
No certifications or special training is required for this position.
General Financial Information
Civil Rights Statement
It is the policy of Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District to treat all persons equally and be accessible (digitally and physically) to all persons.
In accordance with federal and state civil rights laws, regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact a Charlotte Soil and Water Conservation District Board Member.
For assistance, feedback and concerns, please email info@cswcd.us.
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