UT Conservation Dist. Zone 4

CONSERVATION DISTRICT HISTORY – THE DUST BOWL

In the 1930’s, the great depression left many families out of work. Agricultural production and manufacturing was in high demand, so many families mortgaged their homes to buy more land. Following World War I, the agriculture industry crashed, and over 4 million farmers lost their homes. Many lands set empty of vegetation, and left topsoil exposed. Wi

th no roots to stabilize the soil, the result was what we now know as the Dust Bowl. In 1934, winds came to the great plains, and lifted clouds of dust over 10,000 feet high. The dust was so thick, it would block out the sun. This dust storm moved over 350 million tons of soil. On April 14, 1935, also known as Black Sunday, the winds blew dust for 27 days, and moved soil over 1,500 miles to the east coast. Roosevelt enacted Conservation Districts throughout the United States. Utah’s Conservation District became active starting in 1937. Each of the 38 Conservation District is led by 5 elected supervisors. Their job is to implement programs that protect soil, water, air, and natural resources through management, technical assistance, education, and conservation practices. Zone 4 Conservation District is comprised of 7 districts in 6 counties: Delta, Fremont River, Juab, Millard, Piute, Sanpete, and Sevier Conservation District.