Emerging Leaders in Conservation

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM 2026-2027

Jointly sponsored by the Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB) and the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts (CACD), the Emerging Leaders in Conservation (ELC) Program is a 14-month cohort for Conservation District Supervisors, employees, and partner organizations. The program features seven in-person sessions alongside virtual modules, equipping participants with the skills to influence conservation efforts at the local, state, and national levels.

Tentative Program Timeline

Module I: Laying the Foundation (September 16–18) — Broomfield (Colorado Department of Agriculture)

*Note: This includes travel time, not three full days of instruction. We tentatively plan to meet the afternoon of the 16th, a full day on the 17th, and depart on the 18th.*

Virtual Prep for CACD Annual Meeting (October 20th 1.5 hours) - Virtual

Module II: District & State Impact (November 10–12) — Colorado Springs

This session runs concurrently with the CACD Annual Meeting.

Module III: Local Action and Regional Collaboration (January 19–20) — Denver Timed to coincide with the CSCB and CACD joint board meeting. Cohort members will also attend the stock show, where the commissioner and the CACD present the annual Conservation Awards.

Module IV: Peak Performance & National Stage 2027 (February 6–10) — Las Vegas, Nevada

Aligns with the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) annual meeting, offering valuable opportunities to network with conservation leaders from across the country.

Conservation District Day at the State Capitol (May 6, 2027) — Denver

Module V: Watershed Understanding and Engagement (May 11, 2027) — Virtual

Module VI: Strategic Mission, Communication and Advocacy (June 2027, dates TBD) — TBD (Glenwood or Montrose)

Module VII: Local Implementation and Leadership Support (Fall 2027) — Virtual

Program Graduation (November 2027) — Colorado Springs

Graduation activities will take place during the CACD Annual Meeting.

To be a member of the leadership class you must submit an application and a letter of recommendation from your Conservation District Board (or organization if filling a partner seat) indicating your leadership potential and how conservation in Colorado could benefit with the information and skills you will acquire in the leadership program. Applications are due by July 24, 2026

Apply for the Emerging Leaders in Conservation Program

Eligibility:

Current conservation district board members and district employees are eligible to participate in the program. Potential board members may be considered under special circumstances.
The program will be limited.
Applicants must be dedicated to attend all sessions of the program.
Our training prioritizes current district officials, with a limited number of spots allocated for partner organizations.
- We encourage applications from partners representing producer organizations including but not limited to the Young Farmer's Coalition, Farm Bureau, Cattleman's, Corn Producers, etc.

Timeline and Application Process:

Program will be announced summer of 2026
Applications due to the CSCB office by July 24, 2026.
Applicants will be notified by July 31, 2026 of acceptance into the program
This is a 14 month program and will begin in Fall 2026
Registration Fee: $250.00

Costs Covered by the Leadership Program

Lodging
The program will cover room charge only. Any additional charges (ie: phone, room service, etc.) are covered by the individual.
Meals for participants
Meals with the group will be covered by the Program.
Registration to NACD (2027) and CACD Annual Meetings (2026 & 2027)
Valued approx.$2,000

Costs NOT Covered by the Leadership Program

Mileage/Travel
Mileage is not covered by the Program.
Meals for participants
Meals in route to and from function are not covered by the Program.
Lodging
Watershed meetings - local no rooms needed

Apply for the Emerging Leaders in Conservation Program

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