Defining the essential services of a modern soil and water conservation district (SWCD) The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) define “local capacity” as the readiness of soil and water conservation districts to plan, identify, and successfully implement district statutory obligations and private lands conservation. Funding local SWCD capacity leads to districts that can execute priorities and commitments. SWCDs are Special Purpose Local Units of Government organized under Minnesota Stat. Chapter 103C.