1. BASIC INTRODUCTION Topics In Leadership Management for Conservation District Leaders Instructor: Angela P. White

2. SWCDs “Political subdivisions of State Government" that utilize state, federal, and private sector resources to solve today's conservation problems. Guiding Philosophy = Decisions on conservation issues should be made at the local level, by local people, with technical assistance provided by government. WHAT?

3. General Duties & Responsibilities  Focus attention on local land, water and related natural resource problems.  Develop and implement various programs to solve natural resource problems.  Provide general conservation and natural resource information; Source of help for citizens.  Develop and Approve Conservation Plans for various legislative programs.  Provide cost-share assistance for BMPs. SWCDs

4. VA SWCDs = 47

5. The Purpose of Conservation Districts By working with landowners, organizations and government the conservation districts work to protect soil, water quality and other natural resources, maintain resource productivity and protect or improve profitability.

6. GENERAL OVERVIEW Directors are members of District Boards. Authorized by state law to fulfill responsibilities related to the management of soil and water resources and the conservation of natural resources. DIRECTORS

7. What it takes to be a Director If you are going to be a director, you need to be serious about the job. It takes a commitment of your time, and sometimes some of your money, to do the job properly.

8. You have a lot of responsibility.  If something goes wrong, you are going to get at least some of the blame. Here are a few examples:  If district money is misused or missing,  If grant agreement terms are not satisfied,  If the district is accused of not treating all citizens the same,  If the district cannot operate properly because of lack of funds, or  If the district gets sued.

9. You are very important, but... Much of the success of the district will be because of your employees. Try to help them accomplish the goals of the district as well as possible. If you can’t help them, please don’t get in their way. Even though you must make most important district decisions, take advantage of their expertise and listen to their opinions on district matters.