Powers and Duties

The following are the powers and duties of members of the Soil and Water Conservation District, as enumerated in Florida Statutes Chapter 580.20

*The elected position is a four-year term, and is unpaid*

1. To conduct surveys, investigations, and research on soil erosion, floodwater and sediment damages, conservation issues, development and utilization of soil and water resources, disposal of water, preventive and control measures, and to conduct demonstration projects to demonstrate effective conservation methods.

   This means the conservation district must be familiar with the specialized needs and issues of residents of the district. Conducting such research allows us to tailor conservation projects towards the direct needs of the county and those who live within, so as to increase efficiency and effect.

2. To implement preventive and control measures for conservation, development and utilization of soil and water resources, and the disposal of water, such as engineering, methods of cultivation, vegetation, changes in land use, and other measures on private lands or public-owned lands, with the cooperation of landowners or the public land management agency.

   Education about best-use practices for soil, water, and other county resources can be one of the most effective conservation measures. The conservation district must strive to aid the citizen in developing and being informed about practical and smart ways to handle resources.

3. To develop comprehensive plans for conservation of soil and water resources, the control and prevention of soil erosion, for flood prevention, or the development and utilization of soil and water resources, and disposal of water. Plans may specify engineering, cultivation methods, cropping programs, tillage practices, changes in use of land, and control of artesian wells.

   These plans are developed with the aid of localized research, and in the interest of the citizen that they will affect. Since conservation district members are servants of the public, these comprehensive plans must be designed to both aid the economic growth of local applicable industries while still maintaining best-use concepts for preserving district resources such as soil and water.

4. To manage as agents of federal or state agencies and soil-conservation, erosion-control, erosion-prevention projects, or any project for flood-prevention or for the conservation, development and utilization of soil and water resources, and the disposal of water, and to accept contributions in money, services, or materials from federal or state agencies in carrying on its operations.

   Here, we must be willing and able to utilize available state and federal funding by applying for grants to better the operation of the conservation district. I intend to use my experience with grant applications to further our conservation district’s potential.