Hampden-Hampshire Conservation District (HHCD) is one of thirteen conservation districts in Massachusetts. A conservation district is a non-regulatory agency – meaning we do not create or enforce rules. We are simply here to help!
Districts help the community conserve and steward natural resources, such as soil, water, air, and forests, by connecting farmers and other landowners to funding, education, equipment, and other forms of assistance.
The mission of HHCD is to provide educational outreach, technical assistance, and financial support to communities and landowners to protect the soil, air, forests, and water resources on which we all depend. The District brings together community members, agencies, and organizations, to work collaboratively on preserving the ecological integrity and economic vitality of the Hampden-Hampshire region for many generations to come.
What is a Conservation District?
Conservation Districts were established in the 1930’s in response to the menace of soil erosion and severe drought that caused the Dust Bowl. Congress created state soil Conservation Districts and the Soil Conservation Service (now called NRCS) to provide landowners with techniques to conserve and protect their resources. The first Conservation District in Massachusetts was founded in 1945. There are currently 13 Conservation Districts in the State, corresponding with 14 counties. Each District is governed by a board of locally elected citizens who volunteer their time and leadership. The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) gives one voice to the districts.
