SWCD highlights flood control

Crockett County—One of the Crockett County Soil and Water Conservation District’s (SWCD) key responsibilities is helping maintain the flood-control structures that protect Ozona.

The need for those structures became clear after the flood of 1954, which claimed 16 lives and destroyed numerous buildings. Following that disaster, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed seven dams designed to capture and control runoff that flows into Johnson Draw, the waterway that runs through Ozona.

Maintenance work completed over the past year included both routine upkeep and larger projects. Crews restored dam elevations to their original design levels, replaced fencing and installed new fencing with access gates. Several trash inlets were also replaced, and the work concluded with brush control around the structures.

The Crockett County Road Department Road Department crews play a critical role in maintaining the structures and are willing to assist when needed. 

Conservation education continues

In addition to infrastructure maintenance, the district continues to focus on conservation education for local students.

For 36 years, the Crockett County SWCD has sponsored the annual sixth-grade Conservation Poster Contest. The activity encourages students to think about environmental stewardship while expressing their ideas through art.

The theme for the 2025 contest was “Home Is Where the Habitat Is.” The theme emphasized the importance of caring for Earth as a shared habitat.

This year’s winners were:

Lincoln Morrow — 1st place

Jose Rodriguez — 2nd place

Piper Owens — 3rd place.

Teachers play an important role by introducing the theme to students and helping guide them through the process.

Ozona Bank has been a long-time supporter of the contest and displays the winning posters in its lobby. 

Field day postponed

The district had planned a conservation field day for sixth-grade students in October. However, a federal government shutdown forced the cancellation of the event.

Officials hope to reschedule the field day this spring so students in that class will have the opportunity to participate.

Stewardship Week recognition

Crockett County also observed Soil and Water Stewardship Week, held April 27 - May 4, 2025.

The program, organized by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), has been celebrated annually since 1955. It is one of the nation’s largest conservation initiatives promoting responsible management of natural resources.

Stewardship Week serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to protect natural resources.

Celebrating 75 years

Another major milestone for the district in 2025 was its 75th anniversary.

The Crockett County SWCD was formally certified April 25, 1950, as a governmental subdivision of the State of Texas.

District representatives also attended the 85th Annual Meeting of Texas Soil and Water Conservation District Directors, held Sept. 29 - Oct. 1, 2025, in Round Rock.

Texas has 216 soil and water conservation districts, with approximately 3,000 districts nationwide, reflecting the diverse soil conditions, landscapes and ecosystems across the country.

Historical events such as the Dust Bowl demonstrated how land practices in one region can affect others. Conservation districts were created in response to those lessons, encouraging local landowners to lead efforts that protect soil and water resources.

Local landowners continue to guide the Crockett County SWCD, promoting conservation practices suited to the region.

Partnership with NRCS

The SWCD shares an office with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), working together to provide information, technical support and conservation programs for local landowners.

Through this partnership, Crockett County landowners received approximately $1.2 million in conservation program payments in 2025.

Those funds support landowners who implement practices designed to restore and conserve natural resources.

District leadership and resources

The Crockett County SWCD Board of Directors includes:

Paul Perner III — Chairman

Jack Baggett Jr. — Vice Chairman

Pleas Childress III — Secretary

Ira Childress — Director

Ty Allen — Director.

The district office is located in the USDA/NRCS building at 201-D 11th St. in Ozona.

District staff can help landowners develop both short- and long-term conservation plans. The office also assists homeowners with ordering grass and flower seeds that are suited for the area’s dry climate.

Board meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 2 p.m., and the public is welcome to attend.

Residents who need assistance or would like more information can contact the office at 325-392-3702, extension 3.

SOURCE Crockett County Soil and Water Conservation District