Opinion ID: 1995870
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Authority of the Conservation Board and Board of Supervisors to Approve the Cutting of Timber.

Text: We first discuss the authority of these two public boards to approve the tree-clearing project at Sockum Ridge Park. Iowa Code chapter 350 empowers counties to create a county conservation board upon approval of the voters. Iowa Code § 350.2 (1999). County conservation board members are appointed by the board of supervisors. Iowa Code §§ 331.321(1)(b), 350.2. Among other duties, county conservation boards have control over all property acquired by the county for county forests. Iowa Code § 350.4. In managing such areas, the conservation board is authorized to plan, develop, preserve, administer and maintain all such areas, places and facilities. Iowa Code § 350.4(4). Pursuant to section 350.10, county conservation boards also have the powers set forth in sections 461A.35 through 461A.57, including: The commission may enter into agreements for the removal of ice, sand, gravel, stone, wood, or other natural material from lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the commission if, after investigation, it is determined that such removal will not be detrimental to the state's interest. The commission may specify the terms and consideration under which such removal is permitted and issue written permits for such removal. Iowa Code § 461A.53. We are satisfied that the proactive management of trees in forested areas under the conservation board's control is authorized by the statutes we have identified. The board of supervisors' duties and powers relating to the sale of county property include: In disposing of an interest in real property by sale ... the following procedures shall be followed, except as otherwise provided by state law: a. The board shall set forth its proposal in a resolution and shall publish notice of the time and place of a public hearing on the proposal, in accordance with section 331.305. b. After the public hearing, the board may make a final determination on the proposal by resolution. Iowa Code § 331.361(2). The board of supervisors followed this procedure in authorizing the removal and sale of trees from Sockum Ridge Park.