Reference Manual
The Conservation District Reference Manual was recently completely redone. In June 2020, after several edits and renditions, the CSCB staff is proud to have successfully completed this resource for Colorado's Conservation Districts. Two hard copies were mailed to each district office. The complete version is available through the searchable pdf file listed below.
Interested in what is included in this document? Below is a list of various subjects, topics, and listings of what is included. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please feel free to contact our staff.
Agreements
MOUs, equipment rental, cost share, etc.
Board authority
District bylaws, elected officials, powers and duties of a CD, political subdivision of the state, etc.
Board meetings
Committees, minutes, roles and officers, parliamentary procedures, annual reports, long range plans, etc.
Board skills/characteristics
statutory requirements of board supervisors, board job description, tool kits, associate supervisors, etc.
CDA Responsibilities to Conservation
Conservation Services Division, Colorado State Conservation Board, direct assistance, matching grants, district conservation technicians, watersheds, etc.
Public Outreach & Education
conservation district identity, public relations, press releases, stakeholders, legislators, websites, education, youth programs, workshops, etc.
Employee & Board Relations
Roles of employees, role of supervisors, labor laws, chart of who does what, employee or independent contractor, performance plans, nepotism and ethics, job descriptions, employee handbooks, etc.
Fiduciary Responsibilities
Board responsibilities, executive sessions, quorum, open meetings law, etc.
Financial
Asset inventory, audits, monthly reporting, budgeting, grants, tracking match, match, etc.
Financial Planning
Accountability, self-assessment, direct assistance, TABOR, etc.
Forms & Information
Statutory requirements, districts in good standing, required documents, etc.
Elections
Election code, switch to odd years, consolidation elections, term limits, mill levy, etc.
Information Management
Cyber security, required email policy, background check, etc.
Insurance & Liabilities
Required insurance coverage, recommended insurance, governmental immunity, vehicle insurance, NRCS requirements for shared equipment, volunteer insurance, etc.
Mission statements
What is a mission statement, toolkit to develop one, partner mission statements provided, etc.
Policy Development & Implementation
Recommended policies, CACD policy process, etc.
Partnerships & Communication
Federal, state, local, nongovernmental organizations, watersheds, national organizations, etc.
Records Management
Retention, record destruction, Colorado Open Records Act -CORA, etc.
Strategic Planning
Strategic plan, long range plan, tools, and ideas