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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
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 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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Section 4
Section 5
Conservation Districts in NY
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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 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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Section 4
Section 5
Conservation Districts in NY
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Section 1
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
Section 3
Section 1
Section 5
Conservation Districts in NY
Section 4
Section 2
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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Section 1
Section 4
Conservation Districts in NY
Section 5
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.