DISTRICT GOVERNANCE
The SWCD is governed by a five member Board of elected Directors. Directors are elected by owners and / or occupiers of land within the district. The District holds an election every year, typically in February. Two Directors are elected on odd numbered years, and three are elected on even numbered years. Newly elected Directors’ terms begin on the second Thursday in March following the District election.

COMMUNITY SERVICE
Being a Director on the Soil & Water Conservation District Board is a privilege and an opportunity to serve on a local public body that makes decisions and creates programs regarding natural resource conservation in Kane and DuPage Counties. All Directors must be 18 years or older and must have their residence within the District.
The Board meets regularly to formulate and administer programs of work that are tailored specifically to the conservation and protection of soil, water and related natural resources within the district. Attending a Board Meeting is an ideal way to learn about its function, all members of the public are welcome.

Some common activities of the board include the following:
• Prepare an Annual Plan of Work and Budget.
• Establish SWCD policies and procedure.
• Collaborate with SWCD staff in establishing priorities on the type of services needed and where that assistance should be provided.
• Identify activities promoting conservation of the soil, water and related natural resources.
• Guide the dispersal of valuable resource information to units of government and land developers to support well-informed development choices, and to promote natural resource preservation as zoning ordinances are developed, or as zoning changes are requested.
• Secure partnerships with other agencies, groups and individuals to further the goals and objectives of the SWCD.
• Foster both youth and adult informational/educational programs.

PLEASE NOTE: This is only a partial summary of Directors’ duties. District Directors perform on a voluntary basis. This is not a salary position.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS Anyone living within these townships may also become an Associate Director as appointed by the Board. Associates can provide additional advice and perspective, as well as learn more about the District prior to running for a seat on the Board. However, these volunteers are not afforded the same legal protection as directors and cannot vote on official business. Kane and DuPage County residents can attend any Board Meeting and express an interest in serving as an Associate Director.