1. SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
LOUISIANA
SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
SUPERVISOR’S TRAINING AND ORIENTATION
Conducted by the
LA State Soil & Water Conservation Commission
at the
Louisiana Association of Conservation Districts
SWCDs are a critical link in local, state, federal and private cooperation in all conservation and natural resource projects. 1

2. This orientation will help you understand:
Why SWCDs were formed
SWCD Board responsibilities
Your role as a Supervisor
Louisiana’s Conservation Partnership
Effective supervisors must have a clear understanding of their duties, and opportunities, as public officials.
Must be a leader, decision maker, spokesperson, salesman.
It takes time to gain a thorough, working knowledge of entire program and specific responsibilities.
Critical to success of your SWCD

3. History of SWCDs Dust Bowls and Gullies – 1920’s
extensive erosion by wind and water
Harsh climatic conditions +
Damaging land use practices =
Epic natural disaster
Dust bowl in western and southern great plains
Extensive erosion by wind and water; flooding
Unprecedented displacement, destitution
LA landowners increasingly aware of water erosion

4. History of SWCDs Hugh Hammond Bennett 1929 – USDA Bureau of Soils
experiment stations
1933 – Civilian Conservation Corps
Hugh Hammond Bennett, father of soil conservation
1929-soil erosion experiment stations established; USDA Bureau of Soils
1933-Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
National Industrial Recovery Act
Emergency employment program
1933-USDI Soil Erosion Service
Demonstration projects
Technical project staff
CCC labor
Conservation planning as we know it finally began
1935-USDA Soil Conservation Service
A timely dust storm set the stage for this congressional approval
1933 – USDI Soil Erosion Service
1935 – USDA Soil Conservation Service
1994 – USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Service

5. History of SWCDs Land owners skeptical, situation critical
Model legislation was sent to each state
1938 – LA Act No. 370; State Soil & Water Conservation Committee
Formation of SWCDs began
Great Depression, Prohibition
Land owners were skeptical, reluctant to adopt recommendations of the “Feds”.
Model legislation was sent to each state
1938-LA Act 370 established the State Committee
Began formation of SWCDs
LA districts showed early involvement and national leadership
Feliciana the 1st, Jefferson Davis the most recent
Many district divisions
1984-Plaquemines Parish was the final land area included

6. History of SWCDs
Supervisors need to be familiar with this
1201-legislative determinations and declaration of policy
1202-terms defined
1204-State Soil & Water Conservation Committee
1205-Creation; division or combination
1206-Election of three supervisors for each district
1207-Appointment, qualifications, and tenure of supervisors
1208-Powers of Districts and Supervisors
1209-Adoption of land-use regulations
1210-Entry of land for inspection
1211-Performance of work under the regulations by the supervisors
1212-Board of adjustment
1213-Cooperation between Districts
1214-State agencies to cooperate
1215-Discontinuance of a district
1216-Certification of a District
1217-Short title
1218-Extension of Boundaries to include urban or suburban areas
1219-Saving provision
The Louisiana SWCD Law, Act No. 370, as amended, exists now as Title 3, Chapter 9, Parts 1 & 2 of the LA Revised Statutes

7. History of SWCDs 44 SWCDs statewide
28 SWCDs comprised of one Parish, 16 are multi-Parish
All but 6 delineated entirely by Parish boundaries
Boundaries change over the years, division of large SWCDs
Parish boundaries-greater representation of parish-specific concerns, and opportunities to leverage parish support
Watershed/other boundaries
5 SWCD Areas-unify common interests and land-use concerns, allows for equitable representation.
No SWCD is formed without the unified, formal request of 25 or more local landowners

8. Conservation District?
What is a Soil and Water
Conservation District?
What is the purpose
Of a SWCD?
Who controls or
manages SWCDs?
SWCD ?-A governmental subdivision of the State; and a public body corporate and politic...
Local units of state government
Established by resident landowners
Local supervision
What is the purpose of a SWCD? The purpose of a SWCD is to keep decision making on natural resource conservation matters at the local level.
SWCDs provide a face and a voice for all local natural resource concerns and needs
Work to find ways to address these needs.
Harness resources required to address conservation needs.
Local recognition and approval of conservation/erosion control plans, practices.
Almost entirely in partnership with the NRCS
Who controls or manages SWCDs? You do, each SWCD has 5 local supervisors that oversee their SWCDs programs and activities. Develop plans to conserve the natural resources of the district and to implement these plans by coordinating private, local, state, or federal resources 8

9. Who are SWCD Supervisors?
Local public officials
Landowners
Farm operators
“One of the members of the governing body of a district, elected or appointed in accordance with the provisions of State Law”
Should represent local landowners and their land use interests & concerns
Conservation knowledge, interest, and experience
Works with others to set local priorities
Represent the people within their districts

10. Elections and Appointments
3 elected supervisors
Nominating petitions
Local referendum
2 appointed supervisors
Appointed by the SWCC
upon SWCD recommendation
Associate supervisors
Non-voting, no per diem
Provide valuable info, insight
Apprentice for full position
Annual election 2nd Saturday in June, terms begin on July 1
Nominating petitions distributed by supervisors to qualified candidates
Land owners, registered LA voter
30 day nominating period begins 60 days prior to annual election in June.
Nominating petition forms are supplied by the SWCC.
25 signatures from registered voters
Registrar of Voters to verify and sign petition
If no opposition, no election; 3 year term
Appointments are for 3 year terms
Term periods vary by SWCD
3 candidates must be presented to the SWCC with stated preference.
Selection of all SWCD board members is based on local input.
Meeting attendance requirements (PPM 9)

11. District Powers and Authorities
Soil and Water Conservation Districts are
governmental subdivisions of the State and exercise
certain public powers.
Conservation districts are given specific authorities
by Louisiana Act No. 370.
Louisiana RS: 3;
Districts are much more than they appear
District potential is enormous
Capacity Building = Fulfilling potential
The most significant part of conservation district law (section 1208) 11

12. District Powers & Authorities
To carry out preventive and control measures for better
utilization of soil and water resources.
To enter into agreements and furnish financial or other aid
to any private or public agency or land user within the district
for better utilization of soil and water resources and for
removal of excess water as the supervisors deem necessary
To carry out preventive and control measures for better utilization of soil and water resources.
Performed by the SWCD-NRCS partnership and promoted through demonstration of conservation practices, farm bill conservation programs, etc.
To enter into agreements and furnish financial or other aid to any private or public agency or land user within the district for better utilization of soil and water resources and for removal of excess water as the supervisors deem necessary
$ and T.A. through partnership with NRCS
$ through programs such as EPA/CWA 319
Farm Bill Programs
PL 566 projects
Coastal restoration
drainage 12

13. District Powers & Authorities
To obtain by purchase, exchange, lease, gift or otherwise,
any real or personal property to accomplish the goals
of the district.
To make available to land users any equipment and
materials needed to carry out soil and water
conservation programs.
To obtain by purchase, exchange, lease, gift or otherwise, any real or personal property to accomplish the goals of the district.
Land/Buildings
Equipment
Funds
Office space
To make available to land users any equipment and materials needed to carry out soil and water conservation programs.
Equipment such as no-till drills, land leveling equip., tree planters, lagoon pump-out equip., dozers
Includes equipment available through partnership with NRCS
To use for conservation work in cooperation with landowners
Inventory/depreciation requirements for SWCD owned equipment (PPM 8) 13

14. District Powers & Authorities
To construct, improve, operate and maintain works
of improvement as needed.
To develop comprehensive plans for soil and water
Management in the district and bring this information to
the attention of the public.
To take over and administer any soil conservation, flood
prevention, drainage, irrigation, water management,
erosion control or erosion prevention projects within the
boundaries of the district.
To construct, improve, operate and maintain structures or works of improvement as needed.
Dams, terraces, levees, spillways and similar structures as required to accomplish conservation objectives
To develop comprehensive plans for soil and water management in the district and bring this information to the attention of the public.
Long range and annual plans, outlining conditions and desired outcomes
Publish and distribute
May outline engineering operations, methods of cultivation, tillage practices, land use changes, etc.
No level of detail too great.
To take over and administer any soil conservation, flood prevention, drainage, irrigation, water management, erosion control or erosion prevention projects within the boundaries of the district.
“To accept control of” as an agent of the U.S. or its agencies, the State or its agencies
To accept contributions to expend toward carrying out these projects. 14

15. District Powers & Authorities
To accept contributions in money, services or materials
from any source for use in carrying out the district program.
To sue and be sued in the name of the district; to have
perpetual succession unless terminated as provided in
Act No. 370, as amended; To make and execute contracts
and other instruments; and to make and amend rules
and regulations as needed.
To accept contributions in money, services or materials from any source for use in carrying out the district program.
Its as good as it sounds
To sue and be sued in the name of the district; to have perpetual succession unless terminated as provided in Act No. 370, as amended; To make and execute contracts and other instruments; and to make and amend rules and regulations as needed.
SWCC may request opinion/services from the State A.G.
SWCDs may request opinion/services from local D.A.
Act as a board, never individually
Perpetual succession...there’s always conservation work to be done
Local contracts or agreements as necessary, with SWCC approval (PPM 12) 15

16. District Powers and Authorities
As a condition to extending benefits on private lands, the district may require contributions in money, services, or materials, and may require landowners to enter into agreements or covenants regarding the permanent use of such lands to control erosion, flooding and sediment damages.
SWCDs may only charge for services it solely provides.
Cannot charge or accept contributions for work performed with equipment belonging to, or technical services provided by NRCS or other agencies.
Cooperative Agreements: a negotiated, mutually agreed upon, non-binding agreement between the SWCD and the land owner (cooperator)
Not just giving one-time assistance
Not regulatory
No other gov’t entity has this capability

17. District Powers and Authorities
To develop and enact through a local referendum, land use
regulations within the district when needed to conserve soil
and water resources, as provided in Act No. 370, as amended.
To cooperate with other districts in the exercise of any of its
powers.
To combine, divide or discontinue a district by petition to the
State Soil & Water Conservation Committee, as provided in
Act No. 370, as amended.
To develop and enact through a local referendum, land use regulations within the district when needed to conserve soil and water resources, as provided in Act No. 370, as amended.
Traditionally against gov’t regulation of land use
Some things may need to be encouraged, some discouraged or prohibited
Requires notice, hearings, local referendum, public education, majority of landowners must vote in favor, the SWCD then determines whether or not to put it into effect
Has been done only in 5 or 6 states
To cooperate with other districts in the exercise of any of its powers.
To share employees, equipment and other resources through a signed cooperative agreement (PPM 15)
To combine, divide or discontinue a district by petition to the State Soil & Water Conservation Committee, as provided in Act No. 370, as amended.
Based on land use, land resource areas
Dorcheat - Bodcau 1989
Gulf Coast – Jefferson Davis 2003 17

18. District Powers and Authorities
To organize irrigation, drainage or watershed development
projects, to install, operate and maintain works of improvement
such as levees, ditches and pumping stations.
Many SWCDs have initiated or taken on significant roles in these type projects
SWCDs in LA have maintained various levels of involvement in watershed projects
Districts may organize additional boards to investigate or develop special projects such as these.

19. There’s one thing Districts cannot do!!!
As per Act No. 370, Districts do not have the power or
authority to levy, assess, or collect any taxes or
special assessments.
From the original Standard State Soil Conservation District Law
Then USDA Sec. Wallace wanted no additional tax burden on farm lands
Some states have changed this law (KY, FL)
Ideas and discussion on changing it in our state 19

20. District Responsibilities
Legality
Control and prevention of soil erosion, prevention of damage from
flood water and sediment, utilization and disposal of water, wise guidance
in present and future use of state land resources.
Active roles in water management for irrigation, drainage, flood control,
recreation, pollution abatement, and fish and wildlife habitat.
Soil surveys, erosion control practices, soil fertility and condition, and
preserving agricultural land.
Land and water management, landscape beautification, education and
involvement of citizens in conservation programs.
No SWCD can do this alone
“The districts will need the help of most of the agencies of the USDA and, in turn, they can help the USDA as a whole to carry out more effectively the various programs it is administering.”
USDA Secretary Wallace to H.H. Bennett, as districts were being formed. 20

21. District Responsibilities
Methodology
District board organization
District board meetings
Financial management
Technical assistance
Election of officers at first regular meeting of each calendar year.
At least 1 regular meeting each month, not to exceed 20/year. All actions to be recorded in meeting minutes. No business conducted w/o a quorum. Meetings are open to the public except when in executive session. (PPM 9)
According to State law and SWCC policy, districts must develop an annual operating budget. District financial activities can be approved only by district boards and conducted only by district supervisors or district employees. Districts are empowered to solicit and obtain funds, services and facilities as deemed necessary. Districts are required to maintain adequate financial records and are audited annually by the LDAF or CPA’s.
Districts determine services and priorities regarding the kind and amount of work to be done in carrying out their long range and annual work plans. Oversees district staff performance. 21

22. District Responsibilities
Methodology
District employees Intergovernmental cooperation
Planning Education
Reporting Equal opportunity
Districts provide for supervision of their employees, district employees are administratively responsible to the district. Only the district is responsible for hiring, separation, fixing the range of duties, hours of work, pay rates and payment of district employees. District employees may be placed under the technical guidance of NRCS staff by the district board, but only within guidelines established by the board. All districts should establish a personnel management policy.
Long range or Strategic plans, a State law and MOU Requirement, should be revised at least once every 5 years. Annual Plans guide the district in carrying out the long range plan. Developed In consultation with cooperating agencies.
District annual reports are due no later than November 15 each year, reflects the district’s level of success in carrying out annual work plan. The district should report regularly to the public, and to public officials, on resource conservation needs and the work of the district. This is done through news releases, public meetings and published and distributed annual reports.
Districts should cooperate with each other, and with other governmental entities in matters of mutual concern through consultation or formal agreements.
Districts should provide conservation information to educational institutions and community organizations on subjects related to soil and water conservation, and promote natural resource management through workshops, contests, demonstration projects and other means.
Districts have responsibilities for equal opportunity in both programs or services, and employment. An equal opportunity statement should accompany all program and employment advertisements. 22

23. Duties of SWCD Supervisors
Administration
Assist in SWCD policy development
Establish needs and priorities
Long range & annual work plans
Annual reports
Solicit support for your district
Maintain key contacts
Working agreements
MOU’s with USDA – NRCS
Understand partnership relations
Become familiar with Act No. 370
Supervisors handbook
Board meetings
SWCD State Law -
Search
Law Body: RS, Title:3, Section Number:1201
Review 1 chapter of supervisors handbook each board meeting
Personnel policy, PPM based office policy
Conservation priorities, conservation needs, priority of tech. assistance
LR plans-specific goals, AP-incremental accomplishments toward LR goals
Keep it current/relevant
Assist in compilation of annual reports
Solicit SWCD support – “market” the district
Key contacts, legislative - some of your most important SWCD work
Working agreements – know what they mean, know when they’re necessary
SWCD-SWCC-NRCS; understand how each serves the partnership

24. Duties of SWCD Supervisors
Finance
Secure adequate funding for the district
Establish sound business procedures
Adequate accounting & management
Annual budget & financial report
Efficient, judicious use of public funds
Set the stage for a local funding request, show them why you’re important & how you benefit them; potential funders should already know you
Sound business procedures- record keeping, financial oversight, PPMs
Review PPMs at board meetings
Accounting & financial management critical, be familiar with PPM manual & SWCD audit requirements
Work with other board members to develop the annual operating budget and financial report.
All SWCD funds are public funds; all expenditures must be for purposes allowed or required by law. (PPM 4, PPM 10, PPM 11)
Manage funds, facilities, equipment
Audit requirements – State Law

25. Duties of SWCD Supervisors
Leadership
Area and state meetings
Local public opinion
Active conservation recruitment
Consult & cooperate with other entities
Wear the SWCD hat
Communicate outside meetings
Participate in your Area & State meetings
As local public officials, keep in touch with public opinion regarding conservation
Encourage conservation planning and District cooperation
Cooperate with other SWCDs and gov’t entities in matters of mutual concern
In all your affiliations and memberships, influence these groups toward natural resource awareness and conservation management practices.
Establish a communication system with other board members outside of regular board meetings to address problems or opportunities as they arise.

26. Duties of SWCD Supervisors
Education
Who
Units of government
Businesses
Civic organizations
Professionals
Universities, grade schools
Libraries
Churches
Farmers, ranchers, land owners
How
Long range, annual plans & reports
Soil Stewardship week
Master Farmer
Project WET
S & W Conservation Society
Meeting invitations
Ag BMP field day demonstrations
Every level of outreach is important, for conservation and for the SWCD

27. The Louisiana Conservation Partnership
Traditional partnership:
Local-State-Federal
Over 60 years old
State Soil & Water Conservation Committee
Soil & Water Conservation Districts
USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
LSU Ag center has always been an essential ally.
LDEQ & LDNR also 27

28. State Soil & Water Conservation Committee
District policy, funding and regulatory decisions.
Supervisor elections, appointments and resignations.
District formation and discontinuance
State Conservation Policy
Information exchange between SWCDs
Membership
Chancellor, LSU Agricultural Center
Commissioner, LDAF
President, LACD
5 elected SWCC Area representatives
Policy & Procedure Memoranda are developed, approved and enforced by the SWCC.
District funding allocation formulas are developed with SWCC oversight and approved by them.
Makes budget requests to State legislature
State Conservation Policy input
Assist SWCDs in exercising powers and carrying out programs
Monthly meetings
8 Members
1st 3 by function of their positions
The 5 elected SWCC Area representatives are nominated and elected by fellow supervisors from within their SWCC Areas. 28

29. LDAF/Office of Soil & Water
Conservation
Office staff managed by LADF/OSWC Asst. Commissioner
OSWC Asst. Commissioner serves as SWCC Exec. Director
OSWC Staff duties:
Administration
SWCC
Assistance to SWCDs
Agriculture Nonpoint Source Pollution Control
Coastal Restoration
LDAF Conservation Project Management
Environmental Education
Agriculture By-Products BMP Program
Prescribed Agricultural Burning.
Special projects
Legislative performance reporting and accountability
SWCC assistance to districts, correspondence and office operations
General assistance to districts
Ag 319 BMP implementation
Coastal Re-vegetation specialists
State Conservation Management Areas
Project WET and other outreach
Agricultural by-products BMP program
Prescribed burning education & certification for ag land
Special projects 29

30. Federal Agency – established in 1935
“Helping People Help the Land”
History
Federal Agency – established in 1935
Partnership – Model conservation district law in 1937
Federal ↔ State ↔ Local governments
History and success intertwined with conservation districts

31. Cooperative Working Agreement
“Helping People Help the Land”
Foundation Documents
Mutual Agreement
Cooperative Working Agreement
Operational Agreement and local partnerships

32. Signed by District, State, and Secretary of Agriculture
“Helping People Help the Land”
Mutual Agreement
Partners share a common objective of assisting public and private landowners and users to utilize and manage natural resources in accordance with the capabilities and needs for protection and improvement.
Signed by District, State, and Secretary of Agriculture

33. Each party is independent Respective responsibilities
“Helping People Help the Land”
Mutual Agreement
Each party is independent
Respective responsibilities
Recognizes the need to coordinate for successful delivery of conservation programs
Implement long-range natural resource conservation programs

34. “Helping People Help the Land”
Mutual Agreement
Secretary – continue to carry out broad conservation programs – technical, research, educational, and financial assistance
State of Louisiana – continue commitment to aid in administration, coordination, financing and delivery of conservation programs through Districts
Encourage agreements with other natural resource agencies
Comply with nondiscrimination provisions contained in Law

35. Cooperative Working Agreement Supplements the Mutual Agreement
“Helping People Help the Land”
Cooperative Working Agreement
Supplements the Mutual Agreement
Establishes the relationship between NRCS, state and District
Does not obligate funds
Specific projects and activities must be under operational agreements

36. Cooperative Working Agreement Mutually agree to:
“Helping People Help the Land”
Cooperative Working Agreement
Mutually agree to:
Provide leadership in natural resource conservation
Listen
Anticipate
Respond to customer’s needs
Decision making at lowest level

37. Cooperative Working Agreement (cont’d) Mutually agree to:
“Helping People Help the Land”
Cooperative Working Agreement (cont’d)
Mutually agree to:
Respect private property rights
Advocate comprehensive resource management planning
Maintain and improve grass-roots delivery system
Build new alliance – expand partnerships

38. Cooperative Working Agreement (cont’d) Mutually agree to:
“Helping People Help the Land”
Cooperative Working Agreement (cont’d)
Mutually agree to:
Foster economically viable environmental policies
Improve quality of life for future generations
Conserve and enhance our natural resources

39. Cooperative Working Agreement (cont’d) How to Get ‘er Done:
“Helping People Help the Land”
Cooperative Working Agreement (cont’d)
How to Get ‘er Done:
Advance and practice teamwork
Input in decision making process, coordination and cooperation
Capacity building – shared training
Share leadership and ownership ↔ credit and responsibility
Put quality first
Professionalism, dedication, and striving to improve

40. Operational Agreements Optional
“Helping People Help the Land”
Operational Agreements
Optional
Operational commitment between the local partners
Developed as needed

41. District Conservationist Communication
“Helping People Help the Land”
District Conservationist
Communication
Resource issues
Programs
Establishing priorities
Attend - Conservation District Board meetings – Report
Support District priorities – (communicate)

42. District Conservationist (can’t do) Handle funds or finances
“Helping People Help the Land”
District Conservationist (can’t do)
Handle funds or finances
Hire, managing, supervising, evaluating or terminating conservation district personnel
Manage district equipment or promote district services as a condition of Federal assistance

43. “Helping People Help the Land”
Our GOAL:
To be known as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) providing assistance through local soil and water conservation districts.

44. The Louisiana Association of
Conservation Districts (LACD)
Unified forum for all LA SWCDs and supervisors
LACD benefits SWCDs, farmers and land owners
Managed by Executive Board of Directors
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Sec.-Treasurer
Past Presidents
Immediate Past V. Presidents
Immediate Past Sec.-Treasurer
Area V. Presidents
Area Directors

45. The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)
Represents nearly 3,000 Conservation Districts and almost 15,000 supervisors
Facilitates conservation and orderly development of America’s land, water
and related resources through local self-government
Works with Congress to justify funding and
support to federal conservation agencies
District Capacity Building
Operational needs and Services
Council
Executive Committee

46. “What a frightful lack of foresight, and what terribly false economy it would be, if we did not go ahead with the soil conservation job”
Hugh H. Bennett 34

47. Supervisors Handbook Reference
Slide No. Handbook page No. State Law PPM
3-5 III
6-7 general reference §1204 §
9 I, II, 12 § §
§ ,10,12.15
§ ,2,3,9,12 §
§ ,10,11 § § §
, §1204
, 27, 41, 46 RS 36;628G
§1208
31 III, 2, 5, 18, 23, 26, 27, 32, 39, 40 §1203, §1204
§1204 A.(1)(a)