Why Serve?
Make a Local impact
Community leadership
Protect natural resources
Public service that matters
Help guide conservation priorities close to home.
Work alongside neighbors, producers, and local partners.
Support healthy soil, water, habitat, and working lands.
Help connect people with conservation support and opportunities.
You don't need to be a conservation expert.
People who serve on conservation districts boards include:
Farmers, ranchers, and producers
Landowners, renters, and rural residents
Hunters, anglers, gardeners, and outdoor enthusiasts
Teachers, business owners, and community leaders
Students, veterans, and retirees
People who care about their communities and natural resources
If you care about your local land and community, you belong here.
Help shape the future of your community.
Local leadership helps guide the future of conservation in South Dakota.
How the Board Works
5 Members
Each conservation district is governed by a five member board of supervisors.
4-Year Terms
Board members are elected to four-year terms.
Nonpartisan
Elections
Elections are nonpartisan and held during the general election.
Local Voters
Candidates must be registered voters within their conservation district.
How to Run for the Board
Get a petition
Petitions are available beginning January 1.
Collect signatures
You'll need 15 signatures from registered voters in your district.
File by July 1
Submit your petition to your county auditor.
Appear on the ballot
Board elections are nonpartisan and held during the general election.
Additional Filing Information
Circulation of nominating petitions may begin on January 1st and petitions may be filed in the office of the county auditor located in the county courthouse during regular business hours. If the conservation district lies in more than one county, the petitions shall be filed in the Office of the Secretary of State, State Capitol Building, Pierre, SD 57501, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. central time. The deadline for filing nominating petitions is July 1st at 5:00 p.m. Central time. If a petition is mailed by registered mail by July 1st at 5:00 p.m. Central time, it shall be considered filed.
SDCL Election Requirements
South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 38-8-39 states: Before any general election, the board of supervisors of an organized conservation district shall give notice of any district offices for which nominations may be filed. The notice shall be published at least once each week for two consecutive weeks in the official newspaper or newspapers of any counties within the territory of the district. The last publication may not be less than ten nor more than fifteen days before the deadline for filing nominating petitions. The Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry shall provide the required notice before a referendum regarding establishment of a new district. Supervisors shall be nominated by a petition signed by fifteen or more voters in the district for which the candidate seeks election. The petition shall be verified by the circulator and be accompanied by the declaration of the candidate in a form substantially conforming to nominating petitions prescribed under the primary election laws of this state governing nominating petitions for nonpolitical candidates. The petition shall be filed on or before July first of the year in which the general election is to be held, with the county auditor of the county, or where more than one county is within the territorial limits of the district, with the secretary of state. The auditor shall prepare ballots substantially in the form of the nonpolitical ballot and give notice thereof as provided by the general election laws of this state. The supervisors shall be elected by plurality. The election shall be conducted, canvassed, recounted, and contested as elections under the general laws of this state, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, and unless the general laws are inapplicable. If the details concerning the conduct, canvassing, recounting or contest of the election are not set forth within this chapter, and the general election laws are not applicable, then the commission shall promulgate rules pursuant to chapter 1-26 to make possible the submission to an election any matter which by the terms of this chapter may be submitted to a vote of the voters of any proposed or established district.
For questions or help getting started, contact SDACD at (605) 895-4099 or reach out to your local conservation district.
About South Dakota's Conservation Districts
South Dakota has 68 conservation districts that cover the entire state, generally along county boundaries. Each district is a unit of local government focused on natural resource stewardship.
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Identify local soil, water, and natural resource concerns
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Support education, planning, and on-the-ground conservation efforts
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Work with landowners, producers, and partners
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Promote strong communities by connecting environmental, economic, and human well-being
