1. For over 70 years, Conservation Districts have been concerned with the conservation of natural resources. Soil erosion, land fragmentation, loss of wildlife habitat, poor timber management, and surface and groundwater pollution, are but a few of the problems that affect the environment with which Districts are concerned. 2. We believe the functions of Conservation Districts should be broadened and District directors should provide leadership in environmental planning at the local level. 3. We urge Districts to conduct surveys to assess the environmental problems and compile a central source of information concerning the District’s resources, problems, needs and potentials for improvement of environmental quality. 4. Long-range District plans should provide emphasis on enhancement of water quality, farmland protection, wildlife and forest management, improvement of environmental health, and education of the public. 5. We urge District leaders to enlist the efforts of youth groups, governmental agencies, county and city officials, civic clubs, garden clubs, industrial leaders and others in activities directed toward improvement of the environment. ENERGY 1. We support stringent requirements for protection of our natural resources when producing and transmitting energy, and urge every consideration is taken to use existing corridors. 2. State conservation-related agencies and District directors should meet annually with the state energy regulatory agency to explore ways in which Districts might assist, particularly in power plant sighting, transmission line location and land use planning. 3. Districts should seek ways of expanding the use of utility line rights-of-way compatible with energy company needs and the desires of local people involved. 4. State agencies and Conservation Districts should work with landowners and energy development companies to encourage proper resource planning and soil and water protection in connection with energy developments. This should include a capability for the landowner to plan the locations and construction methods so as to minimize soil erosion, water pollution and other long-term damage to the environment and to his agricultural operations. 5. MACD requests that elected public representatives and governmental agencies take action to prepare a comprehensive State Energy Policy which will address: energy efficiency, conservation, diversity and reliability; alternative fuel supplies; generating concepts, and delivery systems. The policy shall also cover tax incentives, environmental protection, public health, energy assistance, emergency preparedness and other items related to meeting the state’s energy requirements.
1. For over 70 years, Conservation Districts have been concerned with the conservation of natural resources. Soil erosion, land fragmentation, loss of wildlife habitat, poor timber management, and surface and groundwater pollution, are but a few of the problems that affect the environment with which Districts are concerned. 2. We believe the functions of Conservation Districts should be broadened and District directors should provide leadership in environmental planning at the local level. 3. We urge Districts to conduct surveys to assess the environmental problems and compile a central source of information concerning the District’s resources, problems, needs and potentials for improvement of environmental quality. 4. Long-range District plans should provide emphasis on enhancement of water quality, farmland protection, wildlife and forest management, improvement of environmental health, and education of the public. 5. We urge District leaders to enlist the efforts of youth groups, governmental agencies, county and city officials, civic clubs, garden clubs, industrial leaders and others in activities directed toward improvement of the environment. ENERGY 1. We support stringent requirements for protection of our natural resources when producing and transmitting energy, and urge every consideration is taken to use existing corridors. 2. State conservation-related agencies and District directors should meet annually with the state energy regulatory agency to explore ways in which Districts might assist, particularly in power plant sighting, transmission line location and land use planning. 3. Districts should seek ways of expanding the use of utility line rights-of-way compatible with energy company needs and the desires of local people involved. 4. State agencies and Conservation Districts should work with landowners and energy development companies to encourage proper resource planning and soil and water protection in connection with energy developments. This should include a capability for the landowner to plan the locations and construction methods so as to minimize soil erosion, water pollution and other long-term damage to the environment and to his agricultural operations. 5. MACD requests that elected public representatives and governmental agencies take action to prepare a comprehensive State Energy Policy which will address: energy efficiency, conservation, diversity and reliability; alternative fuel supplies; generating concepts, and delivery systems. The policy shall also cover tax incentives, environmental protection, public health, energy assistance, emergency preparedness and other items related to meeting the state’s energy requirements.