Conservation districts are legal subdivisions of state government. In the State of Washington, the 48 districts are granted operating authority by chapter 89.08 of the Revised Code of Washington. Arising from the settling dust of the 1930's, conservation districts were formed to provide a means for local people to solve local resource conservation problems. There are now more than 3,000 districts nation wide. The first district in Washington State was the North Palouse Conservation District, formed in January, 1940.
Conservation districts are grass roots organizations.
In the State of Washington, they are governed by a board of volunteer supervisors, three of whom are elected. The remaining two are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission . Districts are noted for their ability to accomplish a great deal with limited funds, relying heavily on volunteers and interagency cooperation. Copyright 2000 Spokane County Conservation District. All Rights Reserved.