Conservation Districts

Planning for Success…

The Long Range Plan

Serves as a guide for the district’s long range goals and objectives

Describes activities and district functions, not only for district but other state and federal agencies

Serves as the basis for annual plan of work and/or watershed plan

The Long Range Plan

Long Range plans can be developed for a time span to be determined by local District Board.most commonly developed for a 5-year time frame

The Long Range Plan

Long Range Plans are a requirement to obtain state funding as per state funding allocation policy adopted August 2005

Long Range plans provide a mechanism for creating a common vision and direction for the local Conservation District Board of Supervisors

The Long Range Plan

Long Range Plans should include the following components: Introduction describing the district

resource base and history Goals and Objectives for the

Conservation Districts priorities resource conservation areas, “I.e Conservation Forestry, Water Quality, Education”

Any policy the Board would utilize to implement the goals and objectives

The Long Range Plan

Policy to coordinate with state and federal land management agencies

I.e. district policy on timber harvesting practices, grazing practices supported, etc.

Making the Long Range Plan a recognized document

Districts are required to adopt the plan pursuant to the Wyoming Administrative Procedures ActLong Range Plan should be sent via certified return receipt to all applicable state and/or federal agencies (This ensures that the plan has been received)If one of your district’s priorities is to coordinate with federal land management agencies and influence their decisions, WACD recommends you title the plan “Land Use and Natural Resource Management Plan,” to be consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act

Long Range Plan as a dynamic document

The Long Range Plan should include methods for measuring and monitoring successful implementation

The Long Range Plan should be reviewed by the District Supervisors, staff and partner agencies once a year

Long Range Plan as a dynamic document

The Long Range Plan should be provided to any individual interested in being a candidate for District Supervisor

The Long Range Plan should be provided to local Commissioners, Town Councils, and State Legislators

The Long Range Plan must be submitted to the Wyoming Department of Agriculture and the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts

If districts desire federal agency coordination, the long range plan should be sent to agencies, Certified Return Receipt, with a cover letter indicating such

Relationship of Long Range Plans and Watershed Plans

This is a decision of the local Conservation District Board

The following are recommendations- Long Range Plan may contain language or a goal setting forth the district intent to develop a comprehensive watershed plan

- Once a watershed plan is completed it is recommended that the district amend the District Long Range Plan – to include as a component the watershed plan

The Annual Plan of Work

Conservation Districts in Action….

Annual Plans of Work should…

Implement the goals and objectives identified in the long range plan

Contain specific actions and contain definable measurable objectives, I.e. present enviroscape to 200 children, plant 40 living snow fences, establish 20 water quality monitoring sites, etc.

Annual Plans of Work

The Plan should be brief and concise therefore serving as an effective public information tool

A current Annual Plan of Work is required to obtain and maintain qualification for state funding

Annual Reports

Reporting Success and Progress…

Annual ReportsAnnual Reports are required to obtain and maintain state fundingMust be sent to WDA and WACDReport on District progress utilizing hard measurable means, i.e. the number of school children enviroscape presented, number of trees planted, water quality monitoring activitiesIt is very beneficial to develop cost/benefit analysis of district activities

Watershed plans may be referenced in these plans as a part of the districts scope of work for the year

Showcase your Annual Plans and Annual Reports

Outstanding Annual Plans and Annual reports are recognized by through the WACD Award Program each fallDeadline for submission for consideration for awards is August 1Long Range Plans, Annual Plans and Annual Reports must be submitted by December 31 as part of state funding requirements