Polk Soil and water conservation district
Local Leaders
Leaders across Iowa play an important role in the future of flooding and water quality on both the rural and urban landscape. Understanding the issues is a key to making the best decisions as our communities grow and work together. As Iowa continues to be a leader in agricultural production and is home to fast growing urban communities, decision makers must consider future impacts to our resources and make efforts to protect residents into the future.
Local leaders may include:
- Conservation professionals
- Elected officials
- Agricultural group leaders
- Politicians
- Community group leaders
- Engineers
- Federal, state, and local government staff
Board Commissioners
Urban and Rural desicion makers impact Iowa’s natural resources.
Chip Mathis serves as chair for the board of commissioners. He started farming early in life by staying home from Kindergarten class to haul in SEED ear corn from the field with no help. He has tried to practice JAYCEE Creed words: That service to humanity is the best work in life.
He enjoys visiting with older generation folks about their life. He is also amazed at what his Great Grand Kids can learn to do at a very young age.
Lee S. Tesdell is the owner of Tesdell Century Farm in Polk County, Iowa and serves as a commissioner on the Polk SWCD. His ancestors from both sides came to Iowa as farmers in the 1850s. Tesdell and his neighbors, the Helland Brothers, work together to farm his row-crop acres sustainably. He manages his own hay and Kernza® acres, CRP along Alleman Creek, prairie strips and raises lambs and Kernza® for local markets. He is retired from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he was a member of the English Department faculty.
Wade is co-owner and manager of a diversified Iowa family farm company. He has extensive education and hands-on experience in soil and water resource management, Iowa farming and livestock production, and law. His family has been directly involved in Iowa agriculture and agribusiness since 1850.
Cindy Valins has a deep desire to change the Earth through conservation and believes Soil and Water Conservation Districts serve a pivotal role in helping.
Paul Gibbins has worked for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach since 2014 and currently serves as the Regional Director for Polk County Extension. He is married with four adult children and lives in Des Moines. Paul enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors, especially riding his bike on the numerous trails in central Iowa. He believes that we all have a role to play in improving our soil and water quality and he is dedicated to helping move such efforts forward in Polk County.
Watershed 101
What is a watershed? How are you connected to water, flooding, and water quality?
The Problem
There are many tools that can be utilized without hurting agricultural production or urban development to address water quality and flood issues in Iowa.
The Solution
There are many changes landowners and producers can make on the landscape to solve some of the environmental problems seen today. These changes can range from building a small wetland to complete management changes like extended crop rotations.
Get Involved
Polk SWCD is here to help! Offering technical assistance, funding, and years of expertise; our commissioners and staff provide the assistance that you need.
Tall-grass prairie used to cover 70 - 80% of Iowa. Less than 0.1% of the original tall-grass prairie remains!
Tall-grass prairie used to cover 70 - 80% of Iowa. Less than 0.1% of the original tall-grass prairie remains!
To provide leadership that helps people improve, conserve, and sustain our natural resources while educating them on the importance and practicality of maintaining our environment and quality of life.
Quick Links
Office Hours
- Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
-
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Closed on federal holidays
You must be logged in to post a comment.