Budget Cuts Threaten Conservation Efforts in Northern Chicago Suburbs

ALGONQUIN -- The northern Chicago suburbs are feeling the strain as Illinois’ continued underfunding of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) threatens essential environmental protections and agricultural support across the region. For the second consecutive year, the state’s budget provides only $4.5 million to fund 97 districts — nearly half the funding level of just two years ago — leaving suburban communities vulnerable to soil erosion, water contamination, and increased flooding risks.

“This translates to roughly $40,000 per district — barely enough to employ one full-time staff member with benefits, let alone the two each district needs,” said Eliot Clay, Executive Director of the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD). Clay described the funding level as unsustainable, forcing districts in the northern suburbs and statewide to consider staff layoffs, service reductions, or even closure.

SWCDs in northern Cook, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties play a critical role in helping farmers and local governments manage stormwater, reduce nutrient runoff, and protect drinking water supplies. Their work is vital in a region that has seen increased flooding and water quality concerns in recent years. Clay pointed to a recent nitrate contamination advisory issued for communities around Kankakee, just south of the suburbs, as a stark reminder of what’s at stake. “That’s a direct result of agricultural runoff,” he said, noting that similar risks exist in suburban watersheds.

Compounding the challenge, Clay warned of potential office closures if the federal government follows through on proposals to consolidate USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service facilities, which co-house many SWCDs. “If they go that route, there’s a real chance that we could be facing things as practical as, do we have office space?” he said during a June 13 WTAX Radio interview.

Earlier this year, AISWCD championed Senate Bill 2387, a bipartisan plan to create a dedicated, tax-neutral revenue stream for SWCDs. Despite majority sponsorship in the Senate, the measure failed to make it into the final budget deal. Clay urged residents of the northern suburbs to contact lawmakers and demand action. “Tell them that you care about public health, that you care about the long-term sustainability of agriculture in this state.”

To listen to the full interview, visit: Budget Cuts Threaten Future of Conservation Districts. For more information, visit www.aiswcd.org.