UACD Conservation District Supervisor Orientation

1

• UACD Conservation District Supervisor Orientation
• Provo, Utah
• March 19, 2008

2
Conservation District History

• Early 1930s Depression rocked the country
• Dust Bowl equally unparalleled ecologic
  disaster that drove people form their homes
• Dust sifted into White House desk of President
  FDR

3
Conservation District History

• Hugh Hammond Bennett testified before Congress
  revealed cloud of dust.
• Congress unanimously passed legislation making

soil water conservation a national policy
priority.
4
Conservation District History

• 1937 President Roosevelt wrote governors of all
  states recommending conservation district
  enabling legislation.
• Brown County SWCD (NC) first
  conservation district established.

• Today nearly 3,000 districts nationwide.

5
NACD History

• In 1946, 32 soil conservation districts met in DC
  to form the National Association of Soil
  Conservation Districts (NASCD).
• Over 1600 districts had already formed.
• Early conservation district leaders recognized
  the need of a unified message to policy makers.
  This is still true today!

6
Function of a Conservation District

• To take available technical, financial, and
  educational resources, whatever their source, and
  focus or coordinate them so that they meet the
  needs of the local land user for conservation of
  soil, water, and related natural resources.

7
District Official Job Description

• Conservation district officials serve on a
  multi-member board
• Establish/implement programs to protect
  conserve soil, water and other renewable natural
  resources on local, non-federal land.

8
Duties of Governance

• Identify local conservation needs
• Develop, implement, evaluate strategic plan to
  meet those needs
• Develop vision and mission
• Set goals priorities
• Hire staff to carry out programs/plans

9
Duties of Governance

• Educate/inform landowners others
• Delegate tasks among board members, staff,
  volunteers, committees, etc.
• Secure budget funds
• Report activities/accomplishments to the public
• Coordinate assistance funding from various
  sources

10
Utah Functions Powers

• 17A-3-805.   District a political subdivision --
  Functions, powers, and duties.      Each
  district organized under this part is a political
  subdivision of the state and has and shall
  exercise the following functions, powers, and
  duties to

11
Utah Functions Powers

• Employ, subject to available funds, clerical and
  staff personnel, including legal staff
• Conduct surveys, investigations, and research
  relating to soil erosion, floodwater, nonpoint
  water pollution, flood control, water pollution,
  sediment damage, and watershed development

12
Utah Functions Powers (contd)

• 3. Devise and implement measures for the
  prevention of soil erosion, floodwater and
  sediment damages, nonpoint water pollution, and
  for the conservation, development, utilization
  and disposal of water on state or private lands
  with the consent of the land occupier.

13
Utah Functions Powers (contd)

• 4. Construct, improve, operate, and maintain any
  structures considered necessary or convenient for
  the performance of any operation authorized by
  this part, and acquire property, both real and
  personal, through purchase, or otherwise, and
  maintain, improve, and administer such property
  consistent with the purposes of this part

14
Utah Functions Powers (contd)

• Enter into contracts or agreements in the name of
  the district, and sue and be sued
• Receive funds from any federal or state agency or
  from any county, city, or other political
  subdivision within the state or from any private
  source

15
Utah Functions Powers (contd)

• Annually submit to the commission on or before
  January 30, of each year, a copy of the minutes
  of each district meeting, a copy of its annual
  work plan, and an accounting of the district's
  financial affairs.
• Do all other things necessary or convenient for
  the efficient and effective administration of the
  district.

16
Role Responsibilities of Various Partners
17
Utah Assn. of Conservation Districts

• Non-profit organization
• Provides technicians and planners to assist
  conservation districts
• One voice for 38 conservation districts on
  legislative issues
• Coordinates legislative activities
• Provides training to conservation districts

18
Natl Assn. of Conservation Districts
National Association of Conservation Districts

• Americas Voice for Natural Resource Conservation
• Serving conservation districts by providing
  national leadership and a unified voice for
  natural resources conservation

19
NACD Priority Issues

• Public awareness and public relations
• Support for state local members
• Grassroots advocacy

20
Conservation Partnership

• USDA Natural Resources Conservation
  Service
• Provides technical assistance through staff,
  standards specs, technical training, etc.
  www.nrcs.usda.gov/
• National Assn. of State Conservation Agencies
• Povides administrative, educational, and
  technical support for districts
  (www.nascanet.org/)

21
Other Partner Opportunities

• Farm Bureau
• Extension
• Other conservation organizations wildlife
  councils, recreation organizations, etc.
• Realtors Bankers Associations
• Endless other nonprofit associations, etc.

22
Local Grassroots Government

• Your board has the ability and responsibility to
  govern this local program based on local needs
  and local resources.
• Remember You drive the conservation bus!

23
www.nacdnet.org