Strategic Planning Survey Input Provides Valuable Insight

The Mahoning County Soil and Water Conservation District would like to extend our gratitude to those who filled out the 2020 Strategic Survey.

Some 57 people participated in the 15-question, digital anonymous survey, which was shared with peers, partners and the greater community through news media, Mahoning SWCD’s website, social media and email newsletters.

The purpose of the survey was to help inform Mahoning SWCD when developing its five-year strategic plan. Several notable findings include the following:   

• On a 1-10 scale, nearly all survey participants responded that soil water conversation was very important to them (average response was 9/10), and nearly 90% expressed an interest in becoming more knowledgeable about the topic.

• The majority of respondents (66%) cited that they could more effectively contribute to soil and water conservation if they had educational resources that showed them how/what they can do in their day-to-day lives.

• Priorities that were ranked of highest importance by respondents included (1) Monitor/provide stormwater services and funding needed for best management practices for preventing stormwater runoff issues/erosion; (2) Assist with farmland and green space preservation and (3) Provide educational resources/workshops for the community.

• Seventy-five percent of survey participants indicated that they would support their township funding Mahoning SWCD.

• Based on the survey data, we can conclude that practical resources and increased community engagement are areas of interest and opportunity for future activity.

In the near future, we look forward to sharing more information about how these findings will be implemented.