Latah SWCD Celebrates 70th Anniversary at 2010 Conservation Stewardship Award BBQ

On January 6, 1940, three petitions were submitted to the State Soil Conservation Commission requesting the formation of three separate districts within Latah County. On January 30, 1940, a fourth petition was submitted requesting the formation of a single conservation district within Latah County. On February 13, 1940 a public hearing was held in Moscow. 75 were in attendance. Unanimous consent to the formation of a district was voiced at that hearing. A referendum was held on March 16, 1940. 457 votes were cast; 363 voted in favor, making Latah the first conservation district in Idaho. On April 25, 1940, Guy Kitch and Henry Bottjer were appointed as supervisors. The certificate of organization was issued on May 1, 1940. The first election of supervisors was held June 15, 1940. Roy Emerson, Ralph Naylor, and King Ingle were elected. The first board meeting was held July 1, 1940. On July 12, 1940, supervisors met in the Kendrick City Park to elect officers and make a plan. At that time they also appointed G. T. McAlexander of the extension service to serve as secretary. The Kendrick City Park was also the scene of the 40th anniversary celebration held July 12, 1980; Lee Hawley was Chairman.

Please join us in Robinson Park on June 29th at 5:30 PM as we honor Representative Tom Trail and Lee Hawley as recipients of the 2009 and 2010 Latah SWCD Conservation Stewardship Awards, respectively.