In 1955, the Iowa Legislature enacted Chapter 111A (now Chapter 350) of the Code of Iowa, which permitted counties to establish County Conservation Boards. The County Conservation Boards are under the guidance of a five member board appointed to five-year terms by the County Board of Supervisors.

The Henry County Conservation Board was formed in 1965.

The Code of Iowa allows Conservation Boards to acquire, develop, and maintain parks, preserves, museums, county forests, wildlife, and other conservation areas; promote and preserve the health and general welfare of the people; and encourage the orderly development and conservation of natural resources; and to cultivate citizenship by providing adequate programs of public recreation and education.