Catalog of Sample Policies for Pennsylvania's Conservation Districts

Appointing Associate Directors Policy
(Lawrence Conservation District)

In accordance with Act 217, the Conservation District Law, the Board of Directors of the Lawrence Conservation District "may appoint associate directors without voting power to carry out the district's business at the discretion of the board."

Qualifications for Associate Directors

• General interest in conservation of natural resources.
• Willingness to abide by the Conservation District Law, the Handbook for Pennsylvania's Conservation District Director's guidelines, and the policies and procedures set forth by the Lawrence Conservation District Board of Directors.
• Commitment to the District's objectives.
• Possession of education or experience in areas relevant to the District's programs.
• Have sufficient time to effectively participate in the District's activities.

Appointment of Associate Directors

• Candidates for associate director shall be recommended to the Board for appointment by a director through a motion made during any regular monthly Board meeting.
• A majority shall be required for appointment or reappointment as an associate director.
• The appointments of all associate directors shall expire one year from the time of appointment. At that time, the Board, or a committee designated by the Chairman, will make a recommendation to the Board regarding the reappointment of the associate directors in accordance with the policy herein.

Number of Associate Directors

• There is no minimum or maximum number of associate directors that the Board may appoint.

Role of Associate Directors

• Associate directors are encouraged to participate in district programs, except for making motions and voting during board meetings.
• The Chairman has the discretion to appoint any associate director as a member or chairman of any district committee.
• Reimbursement for expenses, at the same rate paid to directors, such as mileage and meals for attending PACD meetings, can be made only if appropriated for in the budget year or if funds become available at a later date and with board approval. Reimbursement must come from the conservation district's funds, not from the funds appropriated from the State Conservation Commission which is for directors' travel only.

Revocation of Appointment

• Associate directors may not act on behalf of the conservation district without the knowledge of and the approval of the Board of Directors. Any such action is grounds for immediate revocation of appointment. Such actions may include making unauthorized telephone calls, visits, or other unauthorized representation of the Board of Directors and/or staff.
• The Board may revoke the appointment of any associate director at any time during the year by a majority vote.

The policy was established by the Lawrence Conservation District Board of Directors on April 3, 1996.

Associate Director Appointment Policy
(Indiana County Conservation District)

Appointment as an associate director will be made by, and at discretion of, the Indiana County Conservation District Board of Directors.

Appointment of associate directors can be made at any time of the year, at the discretion of the Board of Directors. At discretion of the Board of Directors, deadlines may be established for submission of information that the Board requires in making appointment decisions.

The term of appointment of each associate director will terminate at the end of December of each year, regardless of when the appointment was made during that year.

To be considered for initial appointment as an associate director of the Indiana County Conservation District, an interested person must submit the following information to the Board of Directors for review and consideration. The information must be submitted prior to any deadline established by the Board.

• a resume and
  
• a letter that explains why the person is interested in serving as an associate director and what benefits that person would bring to the Board of Directors.

Following initial appointment, associate directors who wish to continue as associate directors should submit updates of this information to the Board of Directors on an annual basis if significant changes occur.

Approved by action of the Indiana County Conservation District Board of Directors taken on March 21, 2000.