Minnesota's natural resources play an important role in the state's economy and the quality of life of its residents. Protecting and managing those natural resources is a large responsibility shared by many. Individuals interested in helping lead these efforts are encouraged to run for Supervisor of their local Soil and Water Conservation District.

Two Supervisor positions at the Anoka Conservation District will be on the November 2026 ballot. This position is a four-year term and usually requires one to three meetings monthly for which a stipend is provided. Serving as a supervisor offers residents concerned with natural resource management in Anoka County an opportunity to participate in policy development at the local, regional, and state levels. 

The candidate filing period is May 19 through June 2, 2026. Interested individuals may contact the Anoka County Elections Office at 763-324-1300 for filing information. A $20 filing fee is required, and candidates will receive a filing packet outlining election regulations.

All eligible voters may vote for each open position. However, candidates must reside in the nominated district for the position in question. Supervisors do not participate in primary elections.

For the 2026 election, the following districts will be on the ballot:
District 2 – Andover and Coon Rapids
District 3 – Blaine, Columbia Heights, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Hilltop, and Spring Lake Park

For more information contact Kathy Berkness, Office Administrator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Minnesota's natural resources play an important role in the state's economy and high quality of life. Protecting and managing these precious natural resources is a large undertaking and takes continuous effort at the state and local level. Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD's) throughout the state are governed by a five member board of supervisors elected by the citizens of the county. The SWCD board is responsible for policy development, annual plans, budgets, and more. The Anoka Conservation District will have three supervisor positions on the November 2024 ballot. These positions are four-year terms and require between 1 to 3 monthly meetings and receive modest compensation per meeting.  

The following districts in Anoka County will be up for election:

District 1 - Anoka, part of Coon Rapids, Nowthen, Oak Grove, Ramsey, St. Francis
District 4 - Portions of Blaine and Coon Rapids, all of Lexington
District 5 - Bethel, Centerville, Circle Pines, Columbus, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Linwood Township

Filing is easy but must happen between May 21 and June 4. Just go down to the County Government Center in Anoka during that time and they'll tell you what to do.

For more information read the frequently asked Questions or contact Kathy Berkness, Office Administrator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

ACD thanks Steve Laitinen for his service on our board of supervisors since 2016. Steve's term ends at the end of 2020. His passion for natural resources management has been an asset and contributed to numerous projects.

Steve has represented District I. This area includes Anoka, Coon Rapids, Nowthen, Oak Grove, Ramsey and St. Francis. It also includes several natural resources, such as the Rum River, that are of particular importance to Steve and the residents he represents.

Steve's passion for the Rum River is particularly apparent in his work at the ACD. Within Anoka County, he has sought collaborative water quality efforts as our liaison to the Upper and Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organizations. Beyond Anoka County, he has been ACD's representative on the Policy Committee for the Rum River One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P). That Policy Committee consists of elected officials from 18 counties, SWCDs and watershed organizations from Lake Mille Lacs to Anoka.

During Steve's leadership, ACD has prolifically completed projects for the Rum River. Accomplishments include 31 riverbank stabilizations and six projects that treat stormwater that previously drained untreated to the Rum River. ACD will continue or increase this pace with recently secured grants for over $1.5M in riverbank stabilizations, stormwater treatment, public outreach, and other projects.

"I'd describe Steve as engaged and helpful," says Jamie Schurbon, ACD's Watershed Projects Manager. "As an example, Steve often has arrived to board meetings early, then used the time to come to my office to chat about projects. He wasn't 'checking up' on me, but rather was 'checking in' so that he could make informed decisions in his role."

"We'll miss Steve's broad knowledge base and analytical skills," states ACD District Manager Chris Lord.

We wish Steve all the best in his next community service endeavors!