The soil and water conservation district concept developed as a response to the poor soil conditions that caused many of the dust storms during the Great Depression.  The federal government responded to these conditions by creating the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Soil Erosion Service (now known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service).  Most farmers and ranchers in the United States were eager to take steps to help ensure the continued productivity of the land.  Fear of government regulation on farming and ranching, however, prompted many agricultural producers to be hestitant to receive assistance from the federal government.  In the late 1930's, several states passed laws allowing landowners to organize into soil and water conservation districts at the local level and decide for themselves what conservation measures should be carried out in their area. 

In 1939, a bill authorizing the development of soil and water conservation districts in Texas was passed by the state legislature.  The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) was established later that year.  The State Board established their headquarters in Temple, TX.  One of the original board members was J. P. Martin of Nacogdoches. 

Based upon the state law, landowners in an area could petition to have a soil and water conservation district developed.  In the first year of operation of the TSSWCB, 124 petitions were filed requesting the creation of a district.  Today, Texas has 217 SWCDs across the state.  Even in the 21st century, SWCDs continue to assist individuals involved in agricultural production.