Conservation District Resources

Contracting and Bidding

• Prevailing Wage - DO Brief 08-2020
• Suggested guidelines for purchasing, bidding, and contracting for Washington State Conservation Districts (MRSC, Updated September 2022)
• Suspension and Debarment of Contractors - DO Brief 9-2013

District Funding and Financial Administration

• Creating a System of Rates and Charges to Fund Conservation Work - DO Brief 10-2014
• IRS 1099 Reporting and Forms - DO Brief 01-2017
• Tax Deductible Donations to Conservation Districts - DO Brief 1-2008

Ethics

• Cost Share and Financial Assistance Participation by Supervisors, Associates, Employees

Governing Status

• ‍Letter from the Conservation Commission verifying local governing status of Conservation Districts‍

Human Resources

• Properly Constructed Personnel Files - DO Brief 7-2013
• Requirement to Provide Two Unpaid Holidays - DO Brief 11-2014

Lobbying and Advocacy

• Reporting Lobbying Activity - DO Brief 8-2013 ~ [PDC L5 - 2013]

Open Government

• Open Public Meetings Act - Attorney General Video (18:21) - required supervisor training!
• Public Records Act - Attorney General Video (30:10) - required supervisor training!
• Open Government Training Resources - Office of the Attorney General
• Supervisor Email and Records and Retention - DO Brief 12-2014
• For district supervisors and public records officers – Click here to verify you took the Open Government Training!”

Public Records

• Social Media Records Management - DO Brief 9-2020
• CD Farm Plan Public Records Exemption - DO Brief 6-2020

Public vs Private Sector Activities

• District Private Public Activities - DO Brief 5-2011

Welcome CD Supervisors!

Here you'll find links to open government trainings and video modules for your orientation. Another great way to get started in your role is by reviewing the Washington State Conservation District Supervisor Reference (updated May 2023).

District Operations Briefs:

• Supervisor Roles and Responsibilities
• Conservation District Corporate Status and Powers

Open government training (required):

• ESB 5964 (2014) Requiring Elected and Appointed Officials Receive Open Government Training
• Open Public Meetings Act - Attorney General Video (18:21)
• Public Records Act - Attorney General Video (22:37)
• For district supervisors and public records officers – Click here to verify you took the Open Government Training

Supervisor Orientation Videos

Orientation for Conservation District Supervisors and Staff

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Module 1: Overview, History, Mission, and Principles

Learn about the history of conservation districts nationally and in Washington State, and the unique role districts play in natural resource stewardship.

Module 2: Governance and Operations

Learn about the local governance structure of conservation districts, the role and responsibilities of supervisors, district planning and operations, potential funding sources, and more.

Module 3: Partnerships

Learn the roles, responsibilities, and opportunities related to conservation districts' key partners, including the State Conservation Commission, Washington Association of Conservation Districts, state and federal agencies, tribes, NGOs, and local government.

Module 1: Board Governance and Public Official Conduct

Provides conservation district board members the foundation of knowledge they need to govern and conduct themselves effectively as public officials.

• Board Governance and Public Official Conduct slides (PDF)
• Governance Sample Board Policies
• Roberts Rules Chart of Motions

Module 2: Policy Making for Conservation District Boards

This module covers basic principles of internal and external policy making for conservation district boards.

• Policy Making for CD Boards presentation slides (PDF)

Module 3: Board Members and Employees: Accountability and Partnership

• Board Members and Employees: Accountability and Partnership presentation slides (PDF)
• Enduris Training Opportunities: As the risk insurer for conservation districts, Enduris provides a wealth of, now virtual, trainings for members around personnel management.
• Municipal Research Services Center (MRSC) Personnel: The MRSC covers a multitude of topics related to personnel management including tracking changes in employment law.
• Washington State Dispute Resolution Centers: The dispute resolution centers can be a very helpful resource when things go awry.

Module 4: Financial Oversight by Conservation District Boards

• Financial Oversight by Conservation District Boards presentation slides (PDF)
• Voucher Certification and Approval
• State Auditor's Office Center for Government Innovation
• Payroll Fraud Risks (PDF)
• Payment Fraud Risks (PDF)

Module 5: Risk Management for Conservation Districts

• Risk Management for Conservation Districts presentation slides (PDF)
• Risk Management Services by Enduris

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