Conservation College 101Fiduciary Responsibilities

& Board Roles

Presented by Mark Cronquist, Regional Conservation Specialist

Colorado State Conservation Board

Janette Terry, Conservation SpecialistColorado State Conservation Board

Fiduciary

Word originated from:

Latin word “fides” meaning FAITH.

Latin word “fiducia” meaning TRUST

Fiduciary Responsibility

A legal relationship of confidence or trust between two or more

parties.

Conservation District Supervisors

Elected public officials with fiduciary responsibilities and duties.

YOU ARE A FIDUCIARY!!

As a fiduciary:

• You ALWAYS act in good faith.• You ALWAYS are loyal to your

responsibility, and • You ALWAYS act in a way deserving

of the trust placed in you by the people you represent

Supervisors are responsible for:

• District accountability• Public Credibility

These district characteristics are built by:• Following state/federal laws• Developing and implementing district bylaws• Following accepted business principles and

practices

Associate Board Members

• Soil Conservation Act requires the district be governed by board of elected supervisors or supervisor(s) appointed to elected position ―Act requires SET number of supervisors from 5 to 11.―Number of supervisors must be specified in the district

bylaws.

• Associate supervisors can be appointed, if allowed by district bylaws―No authority to vote.―No authority to be considered a supervisor to meet

quorum requirements.

Board Responsibilities • Administration – administrative body of district.

―Definite meeting agendas―Reach definite decisions and properly record

decisions―Develop a long-range program for the district―Invite landowners/other interested parties to

meetings for consultation/advice―Implement fundraising and ensure district

financial sustainability

Board responsibilities – cont’d

• Policy – Establish policies to guide the board and employees with day to day operation of the district

• District Programs – Develop district programs

• Education• Staff Supervision

Board responsibilities – cont’d

• Participation at local, state, watershed, and national levels

• Supervisor Recruitment

Other Fiduciary Responsibilities • Open Meetings

• Meeting Quorum

• Executive Sessions • Sunshine Law

This manual can be accessed at the following link:

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Agriculture-Main/CDAG/1243429546417

Detailed information regarding the content in this presentation can be found in the CSCB’s on-

line Reference Manual .