Serving Gem County, Idaho since 1954

Gem Soil & Water Conservation District

Conserving our soil, water, and natural resources—together.

We partner with local landowners to protect the land we all depend on—offering technical help, cost-share programs, equipment rental, and conservation education.

Explore Landowner Programs Rent the No-Till Drill

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming events

District tours, workshops, and community events. Everyone is welcome.

Free Community Event

Fall Farm Tour

Thursday, September 17, 2026 · 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Join the district for our fall tour as we visit a drip-irrigated strawberry farm, a filter strip, and a small homestead, with an owl box demonstration and education along the way. A free farm-to-table lunch is included.

WhenThursday, September 17, 2026, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
WhereMeet at the district office, 1857 Hwy 16, Ste B, Emmett, ID 83617. The tour then proceeds to the Emmett Bench.
CostFree, lunch included
ReserveCall (208) 963-4693 to save your spot

Call to reserve your spot Download the flyer

Who We Are

A locally led conservation district

Conservation districts are subdivisions of state government, led by locally elected supervisors who help neighbors care for working lands. We connect Gem County landowners with the technical and financial resources of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Idaho Soil & Water Conservation Commission—all on a voluntary basis.

1954
District established
15+
Producers using our no-till drill
300+
Acres planted no-till in a single year
33%
Target bacteria reduction in our waterways

How We Help

What the District does

Landowner Programs

Voluntary technical assistance and cost-share programs to help you reduce erosion, improve soil health, and protect water quality.

Equipment Rental

Rent the district’s no-till drill and OTECO pivot track filler at affordable rates—reserve your dates today.

Outreach & Education

From classroom partnerships to pollinator projects, we help the next generation understand and value conservation.

Water Quality

Our five-year plan targets real reductions in waterway pollution, including bacteria at the Payette–Snake River confluence.

Your Local Board

Meet the locally elected supervisors who guide the district’s work and represent Gem County landowners.

Board Meetings

Our meetings are open to the public. Find the schedule, agendas, and past minutes.

Featured Service

The No-Till Drill

Reduced-tillage and no-till farming keep organic matter in the soil, cut erosion, support biodiversity, and help the ground hold more water. Our district makes it easy to try—rent the no-till drill for your acreage at a fraction of the cost of buying.

In a recent season, more than 15 local producers used the district’s drill to plant over 300 acres.

See rental details & availability

The district's green John Deere no-till drill hitched and ready for pickup — The district’s no-till drill—rent it for $100 for the first 12 acres.

On the Ground

Conservation in our community

Real work on real Gem County land—efficient irrigation, healthy soil, and the waterways we all share.

A center-pivot irrigation system watering a green alfalfa field below the Gem County hills — Efficient irrigation helps Gem County farms stay productive while using water wisely.

A Gem County landowner standing at a Reinke center-pivot pump station in a green field — We work shoulder-to-shoulder with local landowners on water-wise improvements.

Stay Connected

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Program deadlines, rental availability, grant opportunities, and conservation tips—a few times a year, no spam.

Want a preview? Read our Fall 2025 newsletter (PDF).