The Linn Soil and Water Conservation District, governed by five locally elected commissioners,
is a local legal subdivision of state government responsible under state law for soil and water
conservation work within Linn County. Iowa Code Chapter 161A, defines a “district” or “soil and
water conservation district” as “governmental subdivision of this state, and a public body corporate
and politic, organized for the purposes, with the powers, and subject to the restrictions in this chapter
set forth.” The Linn Soil and Water Conservation District promotes the protection, maintenance,
improvement, and wise use of the soil and water within Linn County.

District Commissioners:

Left to Right (Sue Ellen Hosch, Glenn Buresh, Laura Krouse, Robert Broulik, Butch Neumeyer)

Laura Krouse, Chair
My name is Laura Krouse. I've been a Linn SWCD commissioner since 1992. I have farmed near
Mount Vernon since 1988. In addition to corn and soybeans, I raise and sell seed for an old variety
of open-pollinated yellow dent corn. The corn, called "Abbe Hills", was developed on the farm from
1903 until 1987 by the Neal family, and since then by me. I also operate a 60 family Community
Supported Agriculture garden for families in the Mount Vernon and Lisbon area. High school and
college students help me with the 3 acre garden in the summers. Almost everywhere you look, it is
easy to see evidence of many, many years of commitment to soil conservation by Linn County
landowners and farmers. However, two natural resource issues are big concerns to me now. One
problem I see is the rapid spread of our towns, cities, industries, and roads onto very good and
very scarce farmland. A related issue that frequently is magnified as farmland is convertedto suburban
use is the increased runoff caused by the construction of roofs, streets, yards and parking lots. I am
concerned that we are not doing enough to protect our streams and rivers by retaining water in the
uplands of our watersheds. This year, I have restored a small wetland on my farm to provide a place
for water to soak into the soil, to delay its delivery to my downstream neighbors, and to provide habitat
for wetland plants and animals.

Robert Broulik, Vice Chair
My name is Robert Broulik. Our family farm is near Mount Vernon. My brothers and I have no-tilled
most of the farm since the early 80's. I was an assistant commissioner for the district for a number
of years and am now in my 3rd year as a commissioner. To protect our soil and water resources in
Linn County, I would like to see more no-till farms, more buffer strips established and less urban sprawl.

Butch Neumeyer
My wife, Patsy and I live in northern Linn County, 1 ½ miles west of Walker. We are in the angus seed
stock business along with the usual row crops of corn and soybeans. I have served as a soil and water
conservation district commissioner for 13 years. I feel that one of the most important issues we face is
to see that the cost share monies that we, as commissioners, administer are used to get the most soil
and water conservation done for the dollar. I do enjoy working with the people solving soil loss disputes
and keeping up with new laws and regulations. I believe the buffer strips and riparian areas can have a
long lasting effect on our stream water and wildlife habitat.

Sue Ellen Hosch
My name is Sue Ellen Hosch and I live in rural Marion. I am the newest member of the Linn SWCD
Commissioners. I have worked at the Linn County Public Health Department for the past seven years
as an Environmental Specialist. My work includes regulation and education activities in water quality,
wastewater, nuisances, food safety and other environmental health issues. Permitting wastewater systems
involves evaluating soil conditions. As a member of the Linn County Technical Review Committee,
I also review proposed developments and zoning changes in Linn County. Soil analysis and site evaluations
are an important part of the review process. My role as a district soil and water commissioner links my
agricultural background with my current work in environmental health. I am interested in water quality issues
affected by both rural and urban sectors.

Assistant Commissioners:

Left to Right (Bruce Frana and Todd Steigerwaldt, not pictured Jack Scott, Stacie Johnson)

Thank you for allowing us to serve as your soil and water commissioners. If you have any questions
or concerns please give us a call and let us know how we can serve you better.

Staff
John Bruene, NRCS District Conservationist
Mark Bienemann, NRCS Soil Conservation Technician
Jon Gallagher, Linn County Soil Conservationist
Kellie Arduser, IDALS - Division of Soil Conservation District Secretary