Conservation Districts in New York Training 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 business It plans and implements conservation practices, seeking voluntary cooperation and input from the public

Conservation Districts in NY 58 Conservation Districts

Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Conservation Districts in NY Section 1 Section 2 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 communities Provide link between land owners and a host of conservation service providers

Conservation Districts in NY Purpose of Conservation Districts Purpose and Responsibilities Educate public on benefits of conservation practices Encourages stewardship of natural resources Convince resource users to protect, maintain productivity of the resource

Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Conservation Districts in NY Section 2 Section 1 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 government CAN ask county governing body to allocate an appropriation in their budget CAN 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-profit NOT authorized to levy taxes DO NOT have the right to eminent domain CANNOT mandate conservation practices

Section 2 Section 4 Section 5 Conservation Districts in NY Section 3 Section 1 Conservation Districts: Focus attention on local land, water, and related natural resource problems Develop 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 agencies Prepare long-range plan to address conservation needs of the District Secure necessary funding Perform needed work Evaluate success of work performed

Conservation Districts in NY Key Activities of Districts Conduct Resource Assessments – Assessing the resource needs or issues of the District Develop 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 plans Asses the progress of the District in meeting the goals of their long-range plan

Section 3 Section 1 Section 5 Conservation Districts in NY Section 4 Section 2 Roles of District Directors Directors 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 programs Directors 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 solutions Be an example of conservation management by practicing applicable conservation methods Promote 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 Manager Regularly attend District meetings and functions Take an active role in overseeing your employees’ activities Make the Conservation District business a priority

Section 3 Section 1 Section 4 Conservation Districts in NY Section 5 Section 2 Role of District Staff Responsible for the day-to-day business of the District Maintain the District office and programs Conservation District Staff

Conservation Districts in NY Conservation District Staff Staff 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 activities Represent the District and Board to the Community

Conservation Districts in NY Conservation District Staff Staff 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 requested Report 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 Website Laws of NY - SWCD Soil and Water Conservation District Office Manual Located in each Conservation District office.