The McHenry County SWCD was formed in 1947 under the "Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act" of 1937. This act specifically states that it is " in the public interest to provide (a) for the conservation of soil, soil resources, water and water resources in the State, (b) for the control and prevention of soil erosion, (c) for the prevention of air and water pollution, and (d) for the prevention of erosion, floodwater and sediment damages, and thereby to conserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors, conserve wildlife and forests ..."
The Act goes on to indicate that the State finds "that rapid shifts in land use from agricultural to nonagricultural uses, ... have accelerated the process of soil erosion and sediment deposition resulting in pollution of the waters of the State." It is the SWCD's charge through this Act to assist in conserving and protecting the land, water, air and other resources of the State.