INTRODUCTION
To effectively carry out the function and duties of a district supervisor, you must have a clear understanding of your responsibilities and of the programs you represent, the cooperating agencies which assist districts in carrying out their programs, along with the problems associated with the soil and water resources and the wise use and protection of those natural resources.  You must be an initiator of innovative solutions to the many diverse conservation problems and be able to work with others to achieve those solutions.

As elected and appointed officials, you are charged with properly conducting the affairs of the local conservation district as set forth in Chapter 4-22-08 through 4-22-50 of the North Dakota Century Code.  Website:   http://www.legis.nd.gov/information/statutes/cent-code.html You are looked upon as a leader, decision maker, spokesperson, and salesman, and your fellow district board members count on you as an active member of the team to represent the people from your community as board decisions are made. Your opportunity to serve is unlimited. By better understanding your responsibilities and by becoming involved you can make an important difference in your community. Your challenge is great. Will you accept it?

WHY CONSERVATION?
Conservation is everybody’s business. It means the protection and wise use of our natural resources. Human actions influence the supplies of our natural resources - soil, water, grasslands, forests, mineral and wildlife.  Conservation means managing these resources so they may be used wisely by the greatest number of people over the longest period of time.  Conservation and enhancement of these resources is the basis for long-term profitability.

Our natural resources are not only limited, but many of them can also be easily damaged or destroyed.  Conservation is concerned not only with the resources we need today, but also resources for the future. In each generation every person’s share of the world becomes smaller because our population is growing rapidly. We have a real duty to use resources wisely and preserve them for the future.

CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
Soil Conservation Districts are democracy in action. The Soil Conservation District is a legal subdivision of the State, organized under the North Dakota Soil Conservation Districts Law enacted in 1937 and as later amended. They are organized by vote of the people within the district and are managed by a board of supervisors, also elected by the people.  Soil Conservation Districts are responsible for carrying out a program of soil and water conservation on cooperating farms within the district boundaries. The Soil Conservation District can levy taxes.

AS A SUPERVISOR         
- YOU -

1. Represent the people of your district - your neighbors, as a member of their official governing body which has responsibility for carrying out a program to conserve and develop the natural resources within the district.
2. Attend board meetings regularly and take an active part in deciding policy, determining needs, and planning work for conservation and resource development.
3. Be familiar with local resource development problems and provide leadership in working out solutions for these problems.
4. Take an active part in legislative matters that affect district operations.
5. Be familiar with the total long-range program of the district and the annual work plan so as to direct annual operations to reach goals and objectives of the long- range program.
6. Have a good understanding of working relationships between districts, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Extension Service, and other agencies.
7. Serve on special and regular committees as appointed by the chair of the board. Help them administer to the best of your ability by serving as a liaison between the board and groups and committees.
8. Know the financial status of your district.
9. Be a district cooperator. Establish a well-rounded soil and water conservation program on your farm or ranch.  Set an example . . . be a conservation leader by setting an example.
10. Be informed on the functions of the North Dakota State Soil Conservation Committee. Inform your area committee person of your district needs.
11. Assist your district to be an active member of the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts (NDASCD). Attend area and annual meetings of your state association. Inform your association directors of your district needs. When possible attend the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) area and national meetings.