District Operations & Member Services Committee
2021 MEETING AND CALL NOTES
May 13 Call – Summary Notes
Present: Franklin Williams (Chair), Alan Williams (Vice Chair), Cheryl Cappiali (CT), Denise Savageau (CT), Frank Richardson (MD), Andrew Reed (ME), Steve Hedstrom (MT), Joe Caughlin (OK), Larry Wright (OK),
Absent: AK, GA, MN, MP, UT, WI
Advisors: Astor Boozer (NRCS), Tim Riley (NCDEA), Kate Bussanmas (NASCA)
Staff: Kimberly Uldricks, Ariel Rivers, Candice Abinanti, Rachel Theler
FY21 Work Plan: review past DOMS activities and upcoming assignments.
2021 Resolutions: review assignments and discussion implementation steps.
B-1
Federal Tort Claims Act Coverage (FTCA) for Conservation Districts
(Kansas)
Proposed Policy
NACD supports NRCS allowing conservation district employees driving a Government owned vehicle while acting within the scope of their duties and carrying out the NRCS mission to be covered by the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
*Astor provided an update from NRCS. This is close to being resolved, currently trying to address this through agreements.
B-2
Maintain or Restore Co-Mingling of NRCS & SWCD Staff Within Field Offices
(Minnesota, North Central Region)
Proposed Policy
NACD supports working with Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation Business Center (FPAC) on federal office lease policies and process that enhances opportunities for Conservation Districts to negotiate lease agreements and space configurations that allow for NRCS and District staff to be co-mingled within field offices.
*Should be addressed soon. Continue discussion and follow up with NRCS.
B-3
Extending Electronic Training Resources
(Washington)
Proposed Policy
NACD supports the increased use of electronic and remote learning opportunities as part of training programs for conservation districts provided by state conservation agencies and USDA NRCS.
*This resolution originated prior to the pandemic in response to the need for virtual or regional boot camp. NACD to continue to work with NRCS to explore options.
Hall of Distinction: Request came in from a State wanting to submit an inductee who served as a conservation district official but they also were employed by a conservation district/NRCS/etc making them ineligible. The DOMS intended for the Hall of Distinction to recognize conservation district officials. A motion was made by MD and seconded by GA to modify the credentials, change indicated in red below:
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Inductees must currently serve, or have formerly served, as a conservation district official.
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Inductees must also have made significant contributions to conservation efforts at the national level while a district official. Significant contributions may include supporting national conservation efforts as a leader within NACD.
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Those who have been employed by a conservation district, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a state conservation agency, a state association of conservation districts, NACD, or an affiliate of NACD but have never served as a conservation district official are not eligible for this recognition came in from a state asked to adjust the criteria to allow district officials who may
Next Meeting: Will be in at the Summer Meeting in Chicago, July 24-27. Upcoming agenda items: meeting frequency, Hall of Distinction, Lunch & Learn Services, reinvigorating membership.
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