Conservation Districts

in New YorkTraining Module 1

Conservation Districts in NY

Conservation Districts The Beginning

1935 FDR establishes Soil Conservation Service (SCS)Conservation Districts are organized as units of state government to improve land and water resources

Conservation Districts in NY

Conservation Districts Conservation District is

A legal entity with many of the same institutional responsibilities and powers of a highly organized and ethical businessIt plans and implements conservation practices, seeking voluntary cooperation and input from the public

Conservation Districts in NY58 Conservation Districts

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Conservation Districts in NY

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Conservation Districts:work with landowners, organizations, and government to protect soil, water quality, and other natural resources, maintain resource productivity and protect or improve profitability

Purpose of Conservation Districts

Conservation Districts in NY

Purpose of Conservation Districts Purpose and Responsibilities

New York’s Conservation Districts are the “gateways” to natural resource management in their local communitiesProvide link between land owners and a host of conservation service providers

Conservation Districts in NY

Purpose of Conservation DistrictsPurpose and Responsibilities

Educate public on benefits of conservation practices Encourages stewardship of natural resourcesConvince resource users to protect, maintain productivity of the resource

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Legal definition of Conservation Districts

NYS SWCD Law section 3:“A Soil & Water Conservation District means a county whose board of supervisors has by resolution declared said county to be a soil & water conservation district.”

Legally Speaking

Conservation Districts in NY

Legally Speaking Conservation Districts:

ARE political subdivisions of governmentCAN ask county governing body to allocate an appropriation in their budgetCAN own property & hold Conservation Easements CAN accept gifts CAN raise funds for work performed CAN sue and be sued

*For complete list of Powers of Districts consult Training Module 10 – SWCD Law

Conservation Districts in NY

Legally Speaking Conservation Districts are:

NOT a non-profitNOT authorized to levy taxesDO NOT have the right to eminent domainCANNOT mandate conservation practices

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Conservation Districts in NY

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Conservation Districts:Focus attention on local land, water, and related natural resource problemsDevelop and implement programs to solve natural resource problems

Key Activities of Districts

Conservation Districts in NY

Conservation Districts What Districts do

Coordinate with federal & state agenciesPrepare long-range plan to address conservation needs of the DistrictSecure necessary fundingPerform needed workEvaluate success of work performed

Conservation Districts in NY

Key Activities of Districts Conduct Resource

Assessments – Assessing the resource needs or issues of the DistrictDevelop long-range and annual plans with the goals & objectives designed to meet prioritized needs Seek funding to implement programs and activities identified in their annual plansAsses the progress of the District in meeting the goals of their long-range plan

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Conservation Districts in NY

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Roles of District DirectorsDirectors are leaders, using their own operation and activities to set a good conservation example to others, and demonstrate conservation benefits

Conservation District Directors

Conservation Districts in NY

Conservation District Directors Director Appointment:

County governing body of a Conservation District appoints directors to delegate the responsibility of developing and prioritizing the District’s policies and programsDirectors are appointed by the county governing body of the District to represent their interests in natural resource conservation

Conservation Districts in NY

Conservation District Directors Director Roles:

Be aware of natural resource needs within the District, and actively seek input for solutionsBe an example of conservation management by practicing applicable conservation methodsPromote the ethic of good resource stewardship among all residents Be familiar with laws, policies, and program concepts of importance to the District

Conservation Districts in NY

Conservation District Directors Director Roles:

Manage staff, finances, and property of the District through District ManagerRegularly attend District meetings and functionsTake an active role in overseeing your employees’ activitiesMake the Conservation District business a priority

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Conservation Districts in NY

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Section 2Role of District Staff

Responsible for the day-to-day business of the DistrictMaintain the District office and programs

Conservation District Staff

Conservation Districts in NY

Conservation District StaffStaff Roles:

Assist the Board, land owners & manager, and the general public with information, project assistance, and access to resources Maintain the District office; maintaining office records, performing conservation project activitiesRepresent the District and Board to the Community

Conservation Districts in NY

Conservation District StaffStaff Roles:

Implement policies and activities as directed and approved by the Board Recommend Board action on District business as appropriate, advise the Board on issues, projects, budgets, and any other matters as necessary or requestedReport to the Board, County legislatures, residents, and state agencies on a regular basis about District activities, meetings, and events

Conservation Districts in NY

Additional Resources

Resource Available Where to Find It

Soil and Water Conservation District Law

SWCC WebsiteLaws of NY - SWCD

Soil and Water Conservation District Office Manual

Located in each Conservation District office.