Conservation District board petitions available

Conservation District board petitions available

SCOTTVILLE — The Mason-Lake Conservation District is accepting petitions for nominees for its board of directors. The board of directors is comprised of five individuals who are each elected by local residents for a four-year term. Directors hold monthly board and committee meetings, ensure that the Conservation District’s strategic plan is implemented and finances are stable. They also serve as advocates and ambassadors of the Conservation District, as well as participate in statewide training and leadership opportunities. Directors often also volunteer at Conservation District events throughout the year. Some of these events include spring tree seedling sales, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) clean-up day, Farm Tour and other educational workshops. Director positions are unpaid, volunteer positions.

The Mason-Lake Conservation District is a local unit of government that strives to be the natural resource stewardship hub for residents in Mason and Lake counties. The District works on promoting farming best management practices, groundwater and surface water quality and protection, river restoration, forestry, invasive species management and provides educational opportunities on these topics to the community. District staff serve as technical experts to support landowners with management of farms, forests, waters and wildlife habitat.

To be eligible for a director position, an individual must be a legal resident of Mason County or the west half of Lake County, and be 18 years of age or older.

“We like to have representation from both counties, with a variety of backgrounds, including natural resources, finance, education, agriculture, business and more,” said Dani McGarry, executive director. “We’re looking for people who are passionate about working on conservation issues and running a small government office similar to a non-profit agency.”

To run for election, an individual must obtain a petition from the Conservation District Office or its website, www.mason-lakeconservation.org, obtain five supporting signatures, and return the completed petition to the Conservation District Office no later than January 5, 2024, being at least 60 days prior to the election. Voting will be held at the Conservation District Annual Dinner March 7, 2024 or by absentee ballot.

For the upcoming election, one seat is open, for a full, four-year term. For those who are interested, but unsure of committing to a four-year term, the Board of Directors also accepts applications for associate directors. These positions are intended as a “test drive” to encourage those who are interested in learning and being part of the community through the Conservation District.

For more information, contact Conservation District Executive Director, Dani McGarry, at (231) 757-3707 ext. 102