Professional administration: The task ahead for conservation districts

Excerpt

CREATION of conservation districts filled a need to protect our nation's soil and water resources. That need is as great today as it was 50 years ago, but the means to deal with it have changed. Methods established in the 1930s no longer suffice. Demands on our natural resources have become too great. Federal and state agencies are working constantly to develop new and innovative methods of soil protection. Conservation districts must also seek new ways to get their job done.

Conservation districts are well-conceived institutions. They are a unit of local government, cooperating with state and federal agencies and taking direction from local landowners. The arrangement works well. Mutual respect exists on all sides.

But how effective are districts? Are districts using their authorities to the extent possible? Are district directors able to see tangible results from their activities?

The answer all too often is no. Not because there is a lack of interest or concern, but because there is a lack of time and experience. The only answer to this dilemma is to increase district capabilities through competent staff.

There is a vast difference between conservation districts with capable staff and those without employees. With …