The soil conservation district (SCD) is considered a political subdivision, organized under the North Dakota Soil Conservation Districts Law enacted in 1937, 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.

SCDs are responsible for carrying out a program of soil and water conservation with all cooperating residents within the district boundaries, both rural and urban.

District Supervisors Shall Have the Power to (N.D.C.C. 4.1-20):

• Appoint two additional supervisors (4.1-20-18).
• Employ temporary and permanent employees (4.1-20-20).
• Seek legal services from the County’s State’s Attorney or Attorney General (4.1-20-20).
• Conduct surveys, investigations, and research (4.1-20-24).
• Conduct demonstration projects (4.1-20-24).
• Carry out preventive and control measures within the district (4.1-20-24).
• Cooperate or enter into agreements (4.1-20-24).
• Obtain options upon or acquire real or personal property (4.1-20-24).
• Make available machinery, equipment, seeds, and seedlings (4.1-20-24).
• Construct, improve, and maintain structures (4.1-20-24).
• Develop comprehensive plans for the conservation of soil resources (4.1-20-24).
• Administer and act as agent for the United States in any soil erosion, erosion control, or erosion prevention project; accept donations, gifts, and contributions in money, services, and materials (4.1-20-24).
• Sue and be sued in the name of the district (4.1-20-24).
• Have a seal (4.1-20-24).
• Have perpetual succession (4.1-20-24).
• Make and execute contracts (4.1-20-24).
• Make, amend, and repeal rules and regulations (4.1-20-24).
• Require contributions from beneficial operations performed by a district on lands not controlled by this state (4.1-20-24).
• Expend moneys for education, promotion, and recognition activities (4.1-20-24).
• Levy taxes (4.1-20-24).
• Formulate land use regulations (4.1-20-25 through 4.1-20-37).
• Be compensated for their service to the district (4.1-20-18).

• Furnish to the State Soil Conservation Committee (SSCC), upon request, copies of any ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, contracts, or other documents they shall adopt or employ and such other information concerning their activities as the SSCC may require.
• Provide for the execution of surety bonds for all employees and officers (4.1-20-22).
• Provide for keeping of a full and accurate record of all proceedings, resolutions, regulations, and orders issued or adopted by them (4.1-20-22).
• Maintain complete and accurate records of receipts and disbursements of the district and provide for an annual audit, as required (4.1-20-22 and 54-10-14).
• Prepare an annual financial statement at the close of the business year and forward a copy to the SSCC.
• Attend and participate in regular monthly meetings and attend district functions.
• Keep the long-range planning current to meet total resource development needs of your district. The long-range plan should be reviewed annually.
• Develop a district planning process that provides for carrying out action projects of highest priority that seek to accomplish the goals and objectives of the long-range plan. Refer regularly to the district plan to see that activities are carried out.
• Be informed on the North Dakota Soil Conservation Districts Law, the administrative functions of the SSCC, your State Association, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), and the North Dakota Conservation District Employees Association (NDCDEA). Keep abreast of changes in the law, operational policies and program concepts of importance to the district.
• Develop district conservation needs and set district priorities in providing technical assistance to landowners and operators for a complete coordinated soil conservation program for all residents, both urban and rural.
• Invite agencies assisting in carrying out the district program to meet with the District Board to consider mutual problems. Keep these organizations and the general public informed of progress, objectives, and district needs.
• Develop a realistic annual budget and manage the funds of the district by anticipating project activities and board expenditures for the coming year.
• Approve bills to be paid by the district.
• Carry out a dynamic information and education program to include the general public, students, producers, and others focusing on resource conservation, programs and services, district activities, and other pertinent information. This can be accomplished in part by printing and distributing annual reports, district newsletters, and by utilizing other social and news media outlets.
• Conduct conservation tours, demonstrations, and support educational meetings.
• Cooperate with fellow board members in establishing district policies.
• Know the functions of other agricultural agencies that operate in your district.

A large portion of the board’s responsibility lies with their employees. The board is responsible for not only hiring district staff, but also supporting them and ensuring they have the means, equipment and knowlege to perform their jobs. Providing guidance, support, and reviewing performance is a key component of the board/employee relationship. District staff at the customer-facing link between the board and their constituents; ensuring they are properly trained and have the resources available to perform their duties, including ongoing professional development, is vital.

Dealing with employees is not an easy task and one where a lot of consideration must be given to the well-being of the employee, which is part of the well-being of the district as a whole. Board members have to decide on the wages, benefits and requirements of their employees. This is an area where state and federal laws must be taken into consideration.

The board does rely on their managers and employees to keep them informed on the current events affecting the district, but this by no means releases them from their obligation of being involved and informed by other sources. Communication between the board members, the employees and the landowners is critical in all areas.

Remember, the conservation district supervisor’s obligations are as a public official. Any supervisor who finds it impossible to fulfill these obligations because of poor health, lack of time, or any other reason should resign from office and make way for an individual who can perform effectively.

“Upon a majority vote of the supervisors, while performing duties as a member, the soil conservation district board shall provide to each member:

1. Compensation of at least seventy-five dollars per day but not more than the rate set for a member of the legislative assembly under section 54-03-20;
2. An allowance for meals and lodging at the rate set in section 44-08-04; and
3. Mileage and travel expenses at the rate set in section 54-06-09.

All compensation and expenses under this subsection must be paid from district funds.” (N.D.C.C. § 4.1-20-18)