The information presented in this Handbook is designed to help you better understand your role as a District director, and assist you to be more effective in the development and implementation of Conservation District programs. Answers to many questions, which arise in regard to Conservation Districts, their programs, powers, responsibilities and operation, will be found here. Please note that this reference is a very basic resource of information on being a District director. Specific details on how to carry out District programs are contained in the Conservation District Operations Handbook that can be found in every District office.

Your responsibilities as a District director can be as limited or expansive as you wish to make them. The fate and future, however, of the Conservation District is tied directly to the degree of your involvement, courage, and passion. And it is dependent on the actions you take as the elected public official vested with the governance of the District.

The powers and responsibilities of a Conservation District are broad. By reading the sections covering Powers, Duties and Legal Responsibilities you will gain good insight to the things Conservation Districts can, should, and must do.

Planning is a high priority for District directors, although some directors would like to focus more on implementing the plan. Your staff will be the ones who get things done. But it is your job to assure the right things are getting done. As a director you are the visionary with an eye constantly on the future; framing the decisions you make today to reach your goals for the district in the future. You serve as the District's compass keeping it on track toward meaningful and successful programs.

As a District director, you may also have questions concerning your role in the various phases of District programs. The information presented here is designed to assist you to better understand your role and help you to be the most effective director you can be!

If you have questions regarding programs or operation of the Conservation District please feel free to contact:

Michigan Department of Agriculture
Environmental Stewardship Division
525 W. Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30017
Lansing, Michigan 48909
Phone: 517-241-0236
Fax: 517-335-3329
E-mail: shines@michigan.gov

Michigan Association of Conservation Districts
3001 Coolidge Road, Suite 250
East Lansing , MI 48823
Phone: 517-324-4421 Fax: 517-324-4435
E-Mail: lori.phalen@macd.org
www.macd.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome to the Board

• Welcome to the Conservation District Board of Directors
• What You'll Need to Know First
• How Not to Begin Your Career as a Member of the District Board

Introduction To Michigan's Conservation Districts

• What is a Conservation District and How is it Operated?
• What is the Purpose of Conservation Districts?
• Are There Conservation Districts in States Other Than in Michigan?
• How are Conservation Districts Funded?
• How is a Conservation District Program Conducted?
• How does a Landuser Receive Assistance from Their District?

District Director's Duties and Responsibilities

• Duties of District Board Members
• Conservation District Regular and Special Meetings
• Rules for Conducting Conservation District Director Elections
• The Importance of Developing Conservation District Policy
• Recommended List of District Policies
• A Note on Diversity of the Board

Conservation District Powers and Responsibilities

• What are a Conservation District's Legal Powers?
• What are a Conservation District's Responsibilities to Maintain its Legal Status as an Entity of Government?
• When is a Person Duly Authorized to Assume His/Her Position as a Conservation District Director?
• To What Rights and Privileges is a Conservation District Director Entitled?
• What Types of Activities are Required of a Conservation District Director?
• Other Legal Responsibilities of a Conservation District:
  • Soil Erosion & Sedimentation Control Act
  • Inland Lakes and Stream Act
  • Sand Dune Protection and Management Act
  • The Great Lakes Submerged Lands Act and the Ordinary High-Water Mark
  • Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act
• Conservation District Liability

Conservation District Partners

• What is the Conservation District's Relationship with the Michigan Department of Agriculture?
• Why is the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Involved in Local Conservation District Programs?
• What is the Role of the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts?
• What is the Role of the Michigan Association of Conservation District Employees?
• What is the Role of the National Association of Conservation Districts?
• Other Partners in Conservation

Personnel Management

• Employee Supervision
• Employee Recruitment
• Employee Training
• Employee Evaluations
• Employee Position Descriptions
• Employee Work Agreement
• District Employment Guidelines
• District Personnel Policies
• Administrator/Executive Director's Duties

District Planning and Board Development

• The Long Range Plan
• Annual Work Plan
• Locally Led Conservation
• Board Development

APPENDIX A - Acronyms

APPENDIX B - Conservation District Law

APPENDIX C - Michigan's Freedom of Information Act

APPENDIX D - Code of Ethics for Board Members

APPENDIX E - Testing Your Board's Effectiveness 

APPENDIX F - Overview of Farmland and Open Space Preservation Act

APPENDIX G - Part One (Sample "At Will" Personnel Policy)
Part Two (Sample" Just Cause" Personnel Policy)

APPENDIX H - Sample Board Meeting Agenda

APPENDIX I - Parliamentary Procedures - The Basics