Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District ( FSWCD ) is a local government resource. We promote responsible land use decisions for the conservation, protection, and improvement of soil and water resources through partnering, technical guidance, and education. Conservation Districts are subdivisions of local governments and are usually organized along county boundary lines. In Ohio, there are 88 conservation districts. We are overseen by elected officials who are often natural resource professionals and active community members. Conservation and Water Quality We provide technical assistance to homeowners, watershed groups, and local governments for the protection and restoration of streams, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. Projects include conservation easements, sediment and erosion control, pond management, and alternative drainage concepts such as rain gardens. Our programs are focused on protecting or improving water quality and natural resources for the benefit of residents. Our Geographical Information Systems ( GIS ) department creates and maintains a comprehensive drainage data layer. This information assists local governments and land managers in planning, drainage management, and pollution reduction. Programs and educational resources are available for schools, youth, citizen groups, and homeowners. Programming is tailored to meet each locale's natural resource educational needs. Fact sheets, workshops, loan kits, presentations, hands-on activities, and educational displays are all available to educators, non-profit organizations, and local governments.