ST. PAUL, Minn. - It might be one of the more confusing decisions on any Election Day ballot.

Water and Soil District Supervisors: Who are they and what do they do?

"This is a question that we hear," says John Jaschke, the executive director of the Minnesota Water and Soil Resources Board. "Basically, they do projects that clean water, stabilize the land and improve our natural environment."

The origin of these supervisors dates back to the dust bowl era of the 1930s. It's then when the federal government told local governments that officials should be in place to ensure the health of soil and water.

From installing natural filter strips to clean river water to dealing with erosion caused by heavy rains, district supervisors respond to disaster and connect with citizens on future projects.

But why do we elect them?

"It's the way the statute was set up," says Jaschke. "You build a damn or fix a waterway and these undertakings make a big difference to the community."

Soil and Water District Supervisors are non-partisan and serve four-year terms.

To learn more about what they do you can find information on the Minnesota Soil and Water Board website.

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