About Chaves Soil & Water Conservation District
Our History—Conserving Natural Resources in New Mexico
The Chaves Soil and Water Conservation District was originally organized on June 18, 1941. At that time, it was called the Macho Soil and Water Conservation District.
On December 20, 1968, the district was officially renamed the Macho-Roswell Natural Resource Conservation District.
In 1974, the Board of Supervisors requested that the Natural Resource Conservation Commission consider another name change. They felt the district served a larger portion of Chaves County and wanted the name to better reflect its location.
The commission approved the change on February 21, 1975, renaming it the Chaves Natural Resource Conservation District.
Finally, in 1978, under the Soil and Water Conservation District Act, the district received its current name: the Chaves Soil and Water Conservation District.
Our Mission & Goal
Mission: To promote conservation and responsible development of the natural resources in our district.
Goal: The goal of the District is to promote use of conservation practices and resource management methods to enhance watershed health and productivity.
New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) and the SWCD’s
The Soil and Water Conservation District Act provides for the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to assist local SWCD boards with the planning and development of programs and projects as well as administrative matters.
The Soil and Water Conservation Commission advises the Secretary of NMDA and the New Mexico State University Board of Regents regarding how assistance to districts shall be provided. NMDA employs four specialists for the soil and water conservation programs in the Agricultural Programs and Resources Division.
Chaves SWCD Board
Chair
Carrie Hollifield
Vice-Chair
John Sisk–
Secretary & Treasurer
Cody Munson
Member
Michael Lackey
Member
Jerry Vaz
Member
Joe Barraza
Member
Travis Wagner
Chaves SWCD Staff
NRCS Staff
District Conservationist
Raquel Chacon
Soil Conservationist
Mariah Bates
Range Conservationist
Andi Harrelson
Civil Engineer
Noel Vasquez
Board Meetings—Agendas & Minutes for Chaves SWCD
Stay informed about the decisions shaping soil and water conservation in Chaves County. Access current and past meeting agendas and minutes to learn more about our projects, programs, and initiatives.