Ask SAM: Conservation districts rely on volunteers

This column is provided by Larimer County Extension's Small Acreage Management (SAM) Program to assist rural residents.

Dear SAM,

What is a conservation district? Do I live in one?

Rick

Dear Rick,

Everyone in Larimer County lives in a conservation district. The Fort Collins Conservation District covers land north of Trilby Road. The Big Thompson Conservation District is south of Trilby Road to the Boulder County border.

The mission of Colorado's conservation districts is to educate, help obtain funding, and provide information and technical assistance to enhance and protect our natural resources.

Soil conservation districts began forming in 1937 in the aftermath of the Dust Bowl when severe erosion heightened awareness of the importance of soil conservation and improved farming practices.

Today, conservation is about more than just soils. Efforts include water, wetland, forest and rangeland conservation. Recognizing these developments, many conservation districts dropped the word "soil" from their names.

Historically, our local conservation districts assisted in developing irrigation infrastructures and leveling of farm fields. More recently, the districts have supported weed control, soil testing and tree planting programs. The districts also cooperated in the planting of living snow fences along Larimer County highways.

Following the Bobcat fire in 2000, the Big Thompson Conservation District helped the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service obtain resources for revegetation and erosion control. The district's fast response helped get conservation measures on the ground before heavy rainfalls could cause soil to wash down slopes into the Big Thompson River.

Education and public outreach are part of the districts' mission. Every year, several local public school teachers attend environmental education trainings funded by conservation district scholarships.

Conservation districts need community involvement to be successful. District boards have 5 to 11 members. If there are more volunteers than available positions, members are elected by the communities they represent. If there are no contested positions, the election process is bypassed and members are appointed to the board.

The activities of a conservation district are limited only by funding and the imagination and motivation of the people involved. If you have an interest in natural resources, serving on your local conservation district board can be a great way to make an impact. Boards meet one evening per month. Additional time required depends on your own level of commitment and the projects you choose.

For information on how to get involved, contact the Fort Collins Conservation District at 221-0611 or the Big Thompson Conservation District at 493-1638.

SAM

Have a question about rural living? Write to Ask SAM, Larimer County Cooperative Extension, P.O. Box 543, Fort Collins, CO 80522.