Last updated: April 24, 3:48 pm
Conservation districts, the Colorado Department of Agriculture, the Colorado State Conservation Board, the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service are navigating the state’s COVID-19 coronavirus response together.
On this page we’ll compile resources and answers to “FAQs” for conservation districts to help prepare for and mitigate potential impacts to operations.
The COVID-19 situation is rapidly evolving, and cases are confirmed in new areas across Colorado daily. Public entities, including conservation districts, are encouraged to be proactive in preparing for, mitigating, and responding to this pandemic.
This page will be updated as new information and resources are available.
Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade: www.choosecolorado.com/COVID19
CDC- Managing Anxiety and Stress
Governor Polis' Press Releases
Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Live Tracking Map
We could all use a little humor- A conference call in real life
CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
CO Dept of Labor and Employment- COVID-19 Resources
NRCS/FSA office updates and producer resources: https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus
CDA; COVID-19 Modified Operations
Analysis of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Federal factsheets and webinar of the FFCRA (act listed below)
Can district managers and DCTs telework?
Beginning Monday, March 23, USDA service centers will be instituting locked door policies, with no public access to USDA offices. One employee per agency will be permitted in the office (one conservation district employee, one NRCS employee, one FSA employee, etc.) on a rotating schedule. High-risk employees will not be subject to rotation during this full telework plan. We encourage all conservation district and partner offices to follow the protocols outlined by USDA during this time. Some things to keep in mind:
District employees that are not a part of the NRCS Partnership (DCT/Salinity technicians), are encouraged to telework from home. If you must work in the office, please work with your local NRCS staff to be included in their rotating schedule.
Files/documents MUST stay AT the field office
DCT/Salinity techs should be approved for telework by the District board (and District manager) first, then work with NRCS team lead on workload/paperwork that must be filed federally
If a district manager needs to get in the office, plesae work closely with NRCS and be sure to set up communication channels
USDA anticipates program deadlines will likely be extended, but the agency intends to make payments to our nation’s producers and landowners on time
Current office closures include Gunnison, reopening time has not been determined at this time. Canon City, Silver Cliff, and the State office all through March 27th. Montrose through April 3rd. The Pueblo office is being reviewed for closure and employees are being encouraged to start working with their RTL on telework policies if a closure is to occur.
USDA will be making another assessment about this full telework policy on April 3, but changes to plans may occur between now and then. Visit USDA’s COVID-19 website for national updates: https://www.usda.gov/coronavirus
Can conservation districts meet virtually during this time?
Conservation Districts are asked to meet virtually during this pandemic. There are several resources available to conduct remote meetings (see the comparison of popular remote meeting tools in the examples and templates section). Some steps must be taken to encourage public participation.
Post meeting notice and share dial in number
Utilize ALL communication channels-website, public posting, office location, social media
Tell people where to find more information (website, Facebook, etc.) - if you have to go on lockdown or ‘stay-in-place’ they need to know where to find information
Use CAUTION on recording the meeting (webinar/teleconference/etc.) - if you start recording the meeting (even once) you will set a precedent that will require ALL future meetings to be recorded.
What about exemptions from audit?
Deadline is in statute, as of now, no change to due date
Gather signatures through email, scan, snail mail and send in ALL pages. DORA will accept as long as the majority sign/approve. No board resolution is required.
Do your best!