The Root River SWCD was formed in 1939, the third SWCD in the state, preceded by Burns-Homer -Pleasant and Gilmore Creek-Stockton-Rollingstone SWCD’s.   At that time, Districts did not follow County Geographic lines, as is often the case today.  In fact, in 1941 a portion of Winona County joined the Root River SWCD.

Founding Supervisors of the District were Ed Albrecht, H. L. Sather, John Wheaton, Joseph Lorenz, and Frank Ormsby.  Technical assistance was provided to the District through the USDA, much like it is today.  Modeled after the popular Demonstration projects of the CCC program, Farmers received technical and financial assistance in treating the resource needs of their farm.