Established in 1942 as the 6th SWCD in the state of Ohio, the Noble Soil and Water Conservation District has served as a vital resource for landowners, farmers, and residents throughout Noble County for over 80 years. Formed in response to growing concerns about soil erosion and land degradation, the district was part of a nationwide movement to promote conservation through education, outreach, and technical support.
From its earliest days, Noble SWCD has worked closely with local farmers, townships, schools, and conservation partners to improve the health of our soil, protect water quality, and preserve the natural beauty of Noble County. What began as a grassroots effort led by a small group of dedicated landowners has grown into a full-service conservation district that provides support for agriculture, wildlife, forestry, stormwater, and environmental education.
Over the decades, District Supervisors, who are elected volunteers from the community, have guided the direction of our programs and ensured that conservation decisions are rooted in local knowledge and long-term stewardship.
Today, Noble SWCD continues that legacy by offering programs such as:
Agricultural technical assistance
Forestry and wildlife workshops
Environmental education and youth outreach
Drought assistance and erosion control programs
Conservation planning and cost-share opportunities
The District’s commitment remains the same: to serve the people of Noble County by promoting the wise use and protection of our natural resources for today and for future generations.
1943 Noble SWCD Annual Report
Take a look back at our roots with the very first annual report from the Noble Soil and Water Conservation District. This document offers a unique glimpse into the conservation priorities, local challenges, and early efforts that shaped our mission in the 1940s.
Noble SWCD Board of Supervisors
Current Noble SWCD Board of Supervisors
Pictured Left to Right: Don Archer (Fiscal Agent), Sam Schneeberger (Vice Chairman), Richard Gessel (Chairman), Randy DePuy (Member), and Levi Fogle (Secretary)
Past Noble SWCD Board of Supervisors
In July 2021, the Noble Soil and Water Conservation District proudly celebrated 80 years of service to Noble County. As we reflect on this legacy, we recognize and thank the many individuals who have served on our Board of Supervisors over the years. Their time, talent, and dedication have shaped the direction of local conservation and helped protect the natural resources of our community for generations.
Lewis Davidson (1942–1949)
WH Calland (1942–1949)
Emmor Bond (1942–1946)
Lewis Hedge (1942–1948)
James Law (1942–1945)
Brady Archer (1947–1949)
Edwin Crum (1945–1951)
Dale Lothes (1948–1951)
Herbert Blackburn (1950–1958)
Herzle Garret (1950–1952)
Luther Schramm (1950–1955)
Richard Starr (1951–1963)
John Kuntz (1951–1960)
Virgil Moore (1952–1958)
Floyd Miller (1955–1958)
Robert Ball (1959–1970)
Gordon Secrest (1958–1961)
William Grimes (1958–1964)
Paul Wheeler (1960–1965)
Lorin Sanford (1961–1964)
Ed Schell (1963–1986)
Robert Merry (1964–1967)
Robert Larrick (1964–1976)
Leslie Cater (1966–1978)
Paul F. Archer (1967–1974)
Cecil Brown (1970–1973)
Charles Zwick (1973–1984)
Joseph Parrish (1974–1980)
John Hedge (1976–1984)
Paul L. Archer (1978–1980)
William Shaw (1980–1986)
James Chicwak (1981–1990)
Lawrence Winkler (1985–1988)
LaVerne Wentworth (1987–1990)
Jim Finley (1985–1988)
Tom Archer (1986–1992)
Larry Reed (1989–1991)
Mort Ake (1989–1991)
Shawn Ray (1991–2002)
Bob Nau (1991–2002)
Bob McConnell (1992–1998)
Paul Murphy (1992–2003)
Clair Schockling (1993–1996)
Duane Weisend (1996–2001)
Stephen Bond (1998–2009)
John Biedenbach (2002–2005)
Mike Zwick (2003–2006)
Kevin Stottsberry (2003–2008)
Chris Clark (2004–2015)
Paul Wheeler (2004–2015)
Marcia Murphy (2005–2013)
Eric VanFleet (2006–2012)
Bill Nau (2009–2012)
Travis Snyder (2010–2018)
Don Archer (2012–Present)
Rick VanFleet (2012–2014)
Richard Gessel (2014–Present)
Skyler King (2015–2023)
Sam Schneeberger (2016–Present)
Levi Fogle (2019–Present)
Randy DePuy (2024–Present)
Historical Photos
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Visit Our Office
M-F: 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Contact Us
(740) 732-4318
Dave Schott (District Administrator/Wildlife & Forestry Specialist)
Email: dave@nobleswcd.org
Kirstin Roman (Agricultural & Natural Resource Technician)
Email: kirstin@nobleswcd.org
Deric Nesselroad (Education Specialist/Office Assistant)
Email: deric@nobleswcd.org