Here's your chance to help protect and improve Utah's land and watersheds. The Utah Soil Conservation Commission is now taking nominations for three of the five elected board member positions on each of the 38 Soil Conservation Districts (SCDs) across the state. These boards provide opportunities for local direction of federal and state conservation programs as they impact private lands. They also impact conservation activities on public lands. For over 60 years SCDs have helped install conservation practices that have protected and improve Utah's watersheds. SCDs can help carry out Governor Walker's Watershed Initiative that she recently announced.

Cary G. Peterson, Commissioner of the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, is chair of the Utah Soil Conservation Commission that directs soil conservation district board member elections. This commission has responsibility to plan watershed improvement projects. The districts carry out these plans at the local level. Commissioner Peterson said, "Voters have the opportunity to nominate and elect individuals who will direct the programs and activities of Utah's 38 Soil Conservation Districts."

Soil Conservation Districts are governed by a board of five citizens elected by their peers in a special election conducted by mail. Board members serve a four-year term of office. An SCD is a dependent special service district with authority under Utah Code 17A. SCD board member candidates are nominated locally, either by a nominating committee, which consists of the chairs of the county commission/council, USDA Farm Service Agency county committee, the SCD, and the county agricultural extension agent.

Or, they can be nominated by public petition submitted by six or more registered voters living within the SCD boundaries. Nominations by petition are due at the Commission at the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food by January 6, 2004. Ballots will be mailed the latter part of January 2004.

To satisfy the legal requirements a candidate must be at least 18 years of age and be a resident of the Soil Conservation District in which they will serve. Three of the five SCD Board members must be operators of private agricultural land. Each candidate is provided a summary of duties and must sign a Commitment to Serve Form confirming their willingness to serve, if elected. It would be beneficial if a candidate understands land management systems and conservation treatment techniques. Even better, it would be helpful if the candidate understands the makeup and duties of the SCD and supports the mission and goals of state and national conservation partners.

Candidate nomination petition and ballot request forms, and further information about the election process can be obtained from local SCD, USU Extension Service, and USDA Service Center officials, by calling (801) 538-7171, emailing JakeJacobson@utah.gov, or writing to the Utah Soil Conservation Commission, PO Box 146500, Salt Lake City, 84114-6500.

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The Board of Oil, Gas and Mining is now accepting nominations for 2004 Earth Day Awards. Earth Day Awards recognize reclamation projects and innovations in environmental technology that go beyond what is required by regulation. It is an opportunity for companies to demonstrate technical expertise and pride in their industry, and concern not only for the economics of their industry but also for our environment.

Awards may be presented in each of three operation types:

• Oil and Gas
• Minerals Mining
• Coal Mining

Award categories:

• Environmental improvement to an active mine site, exploration site, or producing field.
• Outstanding results following applications of innovative environmental technology.
• Outstanding final reclamation or site restoration.

Criteria may include but are not limited to:

• Stabilization and grading
• Revegetation
• Water quality improvement
• Wildlife habitat improvement
•  Exceptional reclamation/restoration without obligation
• Outstanding results from implementing environmental technologies

Nominations must be submitted by January 30, 2004.

Instructions
Nomination Form

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