Module 7: Partners in Conservation Conservation District Supervisor Accreditation

SD Association of Conservation Districts A voluntary nonprofit corporation representing the 69 conservation districts, controlled by its member districts and financed by contributions of its membership. Provides administrative staff, training, and technicians to assist districts One “voice” for 69 conservation districts on environmental and legislative issues Coordinates legislative activities on matters affecting the districts

South Dakota Association of Conservation District Employees The SDACDE (organized in 1973) was formed to encourage more efficient, better informed and motivated district employees. Sponsors annual training workshops, informational materials, and improved communications between districts. Coordinates its activities with the training provided by other agencies.

SDACD AUXILIARY Organized in 1952, its members are spouses of conservation district supervisors. It works to promote the principles of the conservation districts. Top priority is conservation education for youth, providing a base for natural resource stewardship in the future. Works with the state's schools, providing materials such as books, pamphlets, and Arbor Day and Ag ‑ in ‑ the ‑ Classroom materials. Developed and promoted the Sammy Soil Saver mascot and puppet kits.

National Association of Conservation Districts Organized in 1946 Vision: America’s Voice for Natural Resource Conservation Mission: Serving conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resources conservation Purpose: Conservation, orderly development and judicious use of the nation’s land, water, timber and related natural resources through local initiatives, decisions and self-government It pools district experience to develop national policies on conservation issues.

NACD Priority Issues Public awareness and public relations –Education & Stewardship program is high priority Support for state & local members –Capacity building, training and resources –Working with partners to increase opportunities contribution agreements, computer network & connectivity, grants, federal programs for producers, etc. Grassroots advocacy –Farm Bill deliberations –Federal Appropriations –Influence from the ground up! Contact:

Conservation Commission Authorized in 1937 under SD Codified Law Governor appointed nine member board includes: –Four farmer members (three by area, one at-large), –One representing urban interests, –One representing water development districts, –Two representing the forest industry, and –One member at-large. Is attached to the Division of Resource Conservation & Forestry (RC&F) for administrative purposes. Has joint responsibilities with RC&F for requiring proper financial records and reports.

Conservation Commission Duties include: –Review and make recommendations on natural resource development programs proposed or planned by local, state, and federal agencies –Provide oversight, guidance and support of conservation districts including: Actions to remove district supervisors from office for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, Provide grants to implement goals of the SD Coordinated Natural Resources Conservation Plan Provide loans from the Conservation District Revolving Loan Fund, and Provide recommendations for loans made from the Rural Development Loan Fund.

SD Dept. Of Ag., Div. of Resource Conservation & Forestry (RC&F) RC&F is the direct link between conservation districts and state government. By law, the principal duties of the Division are to: –Represent the state's conservation districts, –Develop and implement state policy for land conservation and development (SDCL ) –Coordinate the programs of the various conservation districts by advice and consultation, –Secure the cooperation and assistance of state and federal agencies for the districts,

RC&F (duties cont.) Assist district supervisors to carry out their responsibilities and developing their programs, Keep districts informed of changes in the law, operational policies and procedures and other matters of importance to the districts, Provide funds, supplies and staff assistance (including technical assistance for woodlands management) to districts as appropriations allow, and Require proper accounting and financial procedures by conservation districts.

SDDA Division of Agricultural Services Regulates a number of agricultural activities in the state including licensing of tree nurseries. The state Weed and Pest Control Commission administers a grant fund and works with local weed control commissions to control noxious weeds. Districts should work with the local commission for noxious weed control projects.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Mission: to plan and carry out a national program to conserve and develop our soil and water resources. The basic objective is the use and conservation treatment of land according to its capabilities and needs. Analyze resource problems and suggest safe uses and treatment. Staffs include soil conservationists, soil scientists, economists, agronomists, biologists, foresters, plant materials specialists, range conservationists, geologists, landscape architects, resource planners, and engineers from a number of specialties.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Gives technical and financial assistance to individuals and groups to conserve, maintain and improve the state’s natural resources and environment through implementing conservation programs authorized in the Farm Bill. Coordinates with its partners through the State Technical Committee which is comprised of individuals who represent a variety of natural resource sciences and occupations.

Resource Conservation and Development Councils (RC&Ds) Independent regional nonprofit organizations staffed with NRCS employees and partially funded by NRCS. Goal is to improve the capability of state and local units of government in rural areas to plan, develop and carry out resource conservation and development projects designed to meet unique needs of rural communities.

SD Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mission is to protect public health and the environment by providing assessment, financial assistance, and regulation. Administers water resources management, non- point source and water quality programs, environmental regulation and water rights. Funds may be available to conservation districts. Administers the EPA 319 Program that provides grants to implement non-point source projects and programs under the Clean Water Act.

State Revolving Fund (SRF) Non-point Source Financial Assistance Program This program provides loans and/or grants for water quality improvement projects, including lakes, streams, wetlands and groundwater. Individuals, businesses, corporations, associations, private entities and government agencies are eligible. Loans are usually provided at 0% interest. These NPS funds can provide match for other funding sources including 319 grants, ARDL loans and other state and federal funds.

SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks Mission is to conserve, manage, protect, and enhance the state’s wildlife resources, parks and outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Specific programs include: –Upland and riparian shelterbelt plantings –Pheasants for Everyone –Walk-in Hunting Program

US Dept. of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) USFWS’s mission is to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife and their habitats, to protect endangered and threatened species, conserve habitat and reduce environmental contaminants. This program provides year cost-share agreements on private lands for both uplands and wetlands. Projects can include fencing, water development, re-establishment of riparian habitat, installation of water control structures and others.

US Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) Established in the 1930s, FSA is dedicated to achieving an economically and environmentally sound future for American agriculture. A locally elected three to five-person county committee reviews county office operations and makes decisions on how to apply the programs. Administers three main conservation programs authorized in the Farm Bill: Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), and Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) The conservation districts have a responsibility to review and approve, as appropriate, the conservation plans developed under the CRP program.

US Department of Agriculture Forest Service (USFS) Mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. USFS is also among the largest forestry research organizations in the world, and provides technical and financial assistance to state and private forestry agencies.

South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension SDSU conducts research on resource problems on such subjects as adapted species, shelterbelt design and row spacing, and weed control. Cooperative Extension Service leads and directs educational programs in agriculture, home economics and other related areas. Their goal is to improve communities and family life by building agriculture and agribusiness. Provides local resources and expertise to assist conservation districts Co-sponsors some local programs Provides conservation education assistance and training

US Geological Survey (USGS) USGS is the principal federal agency for generating hydrologic information and appraising the nation's water resources. The water resources of SD consist of numerous streams, springs, lakes and aquifer systems. USGS collects stream flow, ground water levels and water quality data throughout the state. These hydrologic data and other data are used in research and hydrologic studies to describe the quantity, quality and location of the states' water resources.

US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Mission is to provide engineering services to the nation for planning, designing, building and operating water resources and other civil works projects for navigation, flood control, environ- mental protection and disaster response. Its biologists, engineers, geologists, hydrologists, and natural resource managers provide environ-mental consulting services to federal, state, local and private entities. In granting or denying permits to developers, the USACE strives to prevent environmental damage by balancing the need of economic development with environmental considerations.