1. Conservation College 101 Fiduciary Responsibilities & Board Roles Presented by Mark Cronquist, Regional Conservation Specialist Colorado State Conservation Board Janette Terry, Conservation Specialist Colorado State Conservation Board

2. Fiduciary Word originated from: Latin word “fides” meaning FAITH. Latin word “fiducia” meaning TRUST

3. Fiduciary Responsibility A legal relationship of confidence or trust between two or more parties.

4. Conservation District Supervisors Elected public officials with fiduciary responsibilities and duties. YOU ARE A FIDUCIARY!!

5. As a fiduciary: You ALWAYS act in good faith. You ALWAYS are loyal to your responsibility, and You ALWAYS act in a way deserving of the trust placed in you by the people you represent

6. Supervisors are responsible for: District accountability Public Credibility These district characteristics are built by: Following state/federal laws Developing and implementing district bylaws Following accepted business principles and practices

7. Associate Board Members Soil Conservation Act requires the district be governed by board of elected supervisors or supervisor(s) appointed to elected position ―Act requires SET number of supervisors from 5 to 11. ―Number of supervisors must be specified in the district bylaws. Associate supervisors can be appointed, if allowed by district bylaws ―No authority to vote. ―No authority to be considered a supervisor to meet quorum requirements.

8. Board Responsibilities Administration – administrative body of district. ―Definite meeting agendas ―Reach definite decisions and properly record decisions ―Develop a long-range program for the district ―Invite landowners/other interested parties to meetings for consultation/advice ―Implement fundraising and ensure district financial sustainability

9. Board responsibilities – cont’d Policy – Establish policies to guide the board and employees with day to day operation of the district District Programs – Develop district programs Education Staff Supervision

10. Board responsibilities – cont’d Participation at local, state, watershed, and national levels Supervisor Recruitment

11. Other Fiduciary Responsibilities Open Meetings Meeting Quorum Executive Sessions Sunshine Law

12. This manual can be accessed at the following link: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1243429546417 Detailed information regarding the content in this presentation can be found in the CSCB’s on-line Reference Manual.