This page is dedicated to providing resources for either new or veteran Conservation Board Members with Iowa's County Conservation System. Please feel free to contact IACCB with additional inquiries or requests for information. Thanks for volunteering service to your local Conservation Board!
(The following information was excerpted from the County Conservation Board Member Handbook - full copy available in PDF format below)
County conservation board members are appointed by the local county board of supervisors to five-year staggered terms. The Conservation Board must hold monthly public meetings. Three board members shall constitute a quorum - with business only being conducted when a quorum is in attendance at a regularly scheduled monthly board meeting or a special meeting called by the president of the board as required in Section 350.3 of the Iowa Code.
The job of a board is two-fold: Policy-making and Administration. In setting policy, the board decides what it wants to accomplish. Administration is finding ways to carry out the policy. There are five questions a good board should ask:
1. What do we want to accomplish to help the organization fulfill its purpose? (Setting policy & establishing goals)
2. What is the road map to follow? (Formulating guidelines, making plans, suggesting alternatives, considering public input)
3. How will we pay for it? (Obtaining & spending the money)
4. How will we reach our goals? (Identifying activities, establishing priorities, delegating responsibilities)
5. Did we succeed? (Evaluation)
It is good to remember that planning is synonymous with survival, and an effective board provides for the good of the organization, natural resources, county and the public. One of the board's major responsibilities under Subsection 350.4(6) is to hire and fix the compensation of a Director, "Who shall be responsible to the county conservation board for the carrying out of its policies." Board members are not responsible for the day-to-day operations or supervision of the staff below the Director. These are the responsibilities of the Director.
(Additional resources for Board Members below)
(The following information was excerpted from the County Conservation Board Member Handbook - full copy available in PDF format below)
County conservation board members are appointed by the local county board of supervisors to five-year staggered terms. The Conservation Board must hold monthly public meetings. Three board members shall constitute a quorum - with business only being conducted when a quorum is in attendance at a regularly scheduled monthly board meeting or a special meeting called by the president of the board as required in Section 350.3 of the Iowa Code.
The job of a board is two-fold: Policy-making and Administration. In setting policy, the board decides what it wants to accomplish. Administration is finding ways to carry out the policy. There are five questions a good board should ask:
1. What do we want to accomplish to help the organization fulfill its purpose? (Setting policy & establishing goals)
2. What is the road map to follow? (Formulating guidelines, making plans, suggesting alternatives, considering public input)
3. How will we pay for it? (Obtaining & spending the money)
4. How will we reach our goals? (Identifying activities, establishing priorities, delegating responsibilities)
5. Did we succeed? (Evaluation)
It is good to remember that planning is synonymous with survival, and an effective board provides for the good of the organization, natural resources, county and the public. One of the board's major responsibilities under Subsection 350.4(6) is to hire and fix the compensation of a Director, "Who shall be responsible to the county conservation board for the carrying out of its policies." Board members are not responsible for the day-to-day operations or supervision of the staff below the Director. These are the responsibilities of the Director.
(Additional resources for Board Members below)
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NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION VIDEO - 2023
(Approximately one hour in length) by Thomas F. Hazelton, CEO 2011-2023 (55 Min) 
(NOTE: This is a 60 slide presentation that may be best viewed with your Conservation Board Director)
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| STATE BOARD APPLICATION - Board Members Only |