§51-A. Advisory council established

The State Conservation District Advisory Council, as established by Title 5, section 12004-I, subsection 68-A, advises the commissioner on matters affecting the operations and responsibilities of soil and water conservation districts. The State Conservation District Advisory Council consists of one representative from each of the soil and water conservation districts. The president and vice-president of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts and the State Conservationist of the United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service shall serve as ex officio, nonvoting members. The president and vice-president of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts shall also serve as chair and vice-chair. The advisory council shall:   [PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW).]

1.  Formulation of budget.  Consult with the commissioner regarding the formulation of that part of the department's budget that pertains to the operations of the soil and water conservation districts;

[PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW).]

2.  Procedures for election of supervisors.  Advise the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on the appointment of soil and water conservation district supervisors and on procedures for the election of supervisors;

[PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

3.  Consult in areas of expertise.  Regularly consult with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry on matters in which the soil and water conservation districts have individual or collective expertise, including agriculture, forestry, water quality, economic and community development and the protection of landowner rights;

[PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).]

4.  Distribution of grant money.  Advise the department on procedures for the distribution of federal, state or private grant money that passes through the department and is intended for the work of soil and water conservation districts; and

[PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW).]

5.  Conservation districts.  Advise the department regarding the formation or discontinuance of soil and water conservation districts.

[PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW).]

SECTION HISTORY

PL 1995, c. 532, §8 (NEW). PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §5 (REV).