Protect What Makes Sweetwater Sweet
Local conservation. Lasting impact.
On November 3, 2026, voters within the Sweetwater County Conservation District (SWCCD) will be asked to consider a proposed conservation district mill levy.
Vote on November 3!
SWCCD
Mill Levy
How will the mill levy impact Sweetwater County?
If approved by voters, the proposed mill levy would provide a locally generated funding source for the SWCCD’s natural resources, soil, and water conservation programs.
This mill levy funding would help strengthen and expand conservation services, turn local priorities into tangible conservation projects, and provide greater support to landowners and community partners throughout Sweetwater County.
Strengthen SWCCD’s Ability to Continue Serving Sweetwater County
In addition to individual conservation projects, funding will support the people, planning, coordination, and technical resources needed to carry out conservation programs.
Mill levy revenue would allow SWCCD to continue to:
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Provide conservation planning and technical assistance.
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Coordinate conservation projects with landowners and partners.
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Pursue and administer grants and cost-share opportunities.
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Develop and implement projects addressing local soil, water, rangeland, and other natural resource priorities.
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Partner with local, state, and federal organizations.
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Respond to emerging natural resource needs within Sweetwater County.
Protect the Natural Resources We Depend On
Mill levy revenue would support work related to local natural resource priorities, including soil health, water quality, rangeland resilience, conservation planning, and other natural resources.
Assist Sweetwater County Landowners Put Conservation to Work
SWCCD provides conservation planning and technical assistance to agricultural producers, private landowners, and community partners. Mill levy revenue would increase the district’s capacity to provide these services and help connect landowners with conservation programs and technical expertise.
Increase Opportunities to Leverage Other Funding to Unlock Bigger Opportunities Through Local Investment
Many SWCCD conservation projects rely on a combination of local, state, and federal funding, as well as grants. Local funding can provide resources to develop projects, pursue outside funding opportunities, meet matching requirements when applicable, and coordinate grant-funded conservation work.
The availability and requirements of individual grant programs vary, so mill levy funding would not guarantee outside funding. It could, however, provide SWCCD with greater capacity to pursue those opportunities.
Turn Local Conservation Priorities into Action
The SWCCD is governed by a locally elected Board of Supervisors. The Board establishes priorities based on the natural resource needs of Sweetwater County. Mill levy revenue would be deposited into a separate conservation district fund and, under Wyoming law, could only be used to carry out the purposes of the Wyoming Conservation Districts Law.
Connect Sweetwater County to Regional and Federal Conservation Opportunities
As the county’s representative in the regional Coalition of Governments and in working with federal agencies on federally managed lands, SWCCD helps ensure Sweetwater County’s conservation priorities have a voice in broader regional and federal efforts. Through regional collaboration, partnerships, and connections with state and federal programs, the district can help identify opportunities, share local knowledge, and bring additional resources, expertise, and conservation opportunities to Sweetwater County.
What Does Conservation Look Like?
The Sweetwater County Conservation District works on a wide range of projects that protect natural resources, support local communities, and ensure Sweetwater County has a voice in decisions affecting its land, water, and economy.
Bitter Creek Water Quality Monitoring
SWCCD has overseen monitoring of Bitter Creek and its tributaries since 2004. This long-term effort helps track water quality and stream conditions, evaluate E. coli and chloride concerns, and identify opportunities for improvements. The District also works with local, county, and state partners to collect data and develop practical approaches to improving watershed health.
Community Enhancement Grants
SWCCD provides Community Enhancement Grants to help local groups, schools, and organizations complete conservation projects. Eligible projects may address soil erosion, water quality, vegetation, energy conservation, wildlife habitat, natural resource education, or improvements to the natural landscape along public corridors. Grants provide up to $5,000 for qualifying projects.
Tree and Shrub Program
Through its annual Conservation Grade Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale, SWCCD helps make affordable conservation plantings available to Sweetwater County residents and landowners. Trees and shrubs can support windbreaks, reduce erosion, provide wildlife habitat, conserve resources, and improve properties throughout the county.
A Local Voice in Land and Resource Decisions
SWCCD is a founding member of the Coalition of Local Governments for Southwest Wyoming and represents local interests in planning and decision-making processes involving public lands and natural resources. This work includes participation in Bureau of Land Management resource management planning, U.S. Forest Service planning, water planning, reclamation, energy projects, and transmission corridor planning.
Subdivision Reviews
The District is tasked with reviewing proposed subdivisions within 60 days. This comprehensive assessment provides essential information to local Planning and Zoning officials and County Commissioners, highlighting natural resource concerns specific to each development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sweetwater County’s natural resource needs continue to evolve and expand, while the costs of providing SWCCD’s services continue to grow. Local funding will help maintain the district’s financial foundation and provide greater flexibility to preserve and expand conservation services, pursue projects, and respond to local priorities.
A mill levy is a property tax based on the assessed value of property.
One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of assessed property value. The proposed Sweetwater County Conservation District levy is up to ¼ mill, or $0.25 for every $1,000 of assessed value.
The amount paid by an individual property owner would depend on the property's assessed value, which is different from its market value.
Assessed Property Value Annual Cost at ¼ Mill
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Market Value Assessed Value .25 mill costs the homeowner
$200,000 $19,000 $4.75
$300,000 $28,500 $7.13
$400,000 $38,000 $9.50
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These examples are provided for informational purposes only. Actual property taxes depend on assessed valuation and the mill levy imposed.
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The proposed mill levy would create local funding dedicated to conservation district purposes. If approved, decisions about how those resources are used would be made through SWCCD's locally governed programs and priorities, subject to Wyoming law.
If a majority of voters casting ballots approve the proposition, the tax would be levied beginning in the year following the election. Revenue would be deposited into the conservation district fund and could be used only for purposes authorized under Wyoming Conservation Districts Law.
Under the renewal option selected for this ballot question, if the proposition is approved, the same proposition would be submitted to voters at the second following general election and thereafter every four years until the proposition is defeated.
If the proposition does not receive majority approval, the proposed tax would not be imposed.
Learn More About Sweetwater County Conservation and Vote on November 3!