1. Conservation Districts
Planning for Success…

2. The Long Range Plan
Serves as a guide for the district’s long range goals and objectives
Describes activities and district functions, not only for district but other state and federal agencies
Serves as the basis for annual plan of work and/or watershed plan

3. The Long Range Plan
Long Range plans can be developed for a time span to be determined by local District Board, plans are most commonly developed for a 5-year time frame

4. The Long Range Plan
Long Range Plans are a requirement to obtain state funding as per Conservation District developed policy
Long Range plans provide a mechanism for creating a common vision and direction for the local Conservation District Board of Supervisors

5. The Long Range Plan
Long Range Plans should include the following components:
Introduction describing the district resource base and history (Should be brief)
Goals and Objectives for the Conservation Districts priorities resource conservation areas, I.e Conservation Forestry, Water Quality, Education
Any policy the Board would utilize to implement the goals and objectives

6. The Long Range Plan
Policy to coordinate with state and federal land management agencies, I.e. district policy on timber harvesting practices, grazing practices supported, etc.

7. Making the Long Range Plan a recognized document
District should adopt the plan pursuant to the Wyoming Administrative Procedures Act by formal resolution and file with County Clerk
Long Range Plan should be sent via certified return receipt to all applicable state and/or federal agencies (This ensures that the plan has been received)
If one of your district’s priorities is to coordinate with federal land management agencies and influence their decisions, WACD recommends you title the plan “Land Use and Natural Resource Management Plan,” to be consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act

8. Long Range Plan as a dynamic document
The Long Range Plan should include methods for measuring and monitoring successful implementation
The Long Range Plan should be reviewed by the District Supervisors, staff and partner agencies once a year

9. Long Range Plan as a dynamic document
The Long Range Plan should be provided to any individual interested in being a candidate for District Supervisor

10. The Long Range Plan should be provided to local Commissioners, Town Councils, and State Legislators
The Long Range Plan must be submitted to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts
If districts desire federal agency coordination, the long range plan should be sent to agencies, Certified Return Receipt, with a cover letter indicating such

11. Relationship of Long Range Plans and Watershed Plans
This is a decision of the local Conservation District Board
The following are recommendations
- Long Range Plan may contain language or a goal setting forth the district intent to develop a comprehensive watershed plan

12. - Once a watershed plan is completed it is recommended that the district amend the District Long Range Plan – to include as a component the watershed plan

13. Conservation Districts in Action….
The Annual Plan of Work
Conservation Districts in Action….

14. Annual Plans of Work should…
Implement the goals and objectives identified in the long range plan
Contain specific actions and contain definable measurable objectives, I.e. present enviroscape to 200 children, plant 40 living snow fences, establish 20 water quality monitoring sites, etc.

15. Annual Plans of Work
The Plan should be brief and concise therefore serving as an effective public information tool
A current Annual Plan of Work is required to obtain and maintain qualification for state funding

16. Reporting Success and Progress…
Annual Reports
Reporting Success and Progress…

17. Annual Reports
Annual Reports are required to obtain and maintain state funding
Must be sent to WDA and WACD
Report on District progress utilizing hard measurable means, i.e. the number of school children enviroscape presented, number of trees planted, water quality monitoring activities
It is very beneficial to develop cost/benefit analysis of district activities

18. Watershed plans may be referenced in these plans as a part of the districts scope of work for the year

19. Showcase your Annual Plans and Annual Reports
Outstanding Annual Plans and Annual reports are recognized by through the WACD Award Program each fall
Deadline for submission for consideration for awards is October 1