Organization of the soil conservation committee

1. History. The 1937 legislative assembly passed the soil conservation districts law, codified as North Dakota Century Code chapter 4-22. This chapter establishes the state soil conservation committee to provide for the conservation of the soil and soil resources of the state and for the control and prevention of soil erosion through the soil conservation districts. 2. Committee membership. The committee consists of seven voting members. Five members are elected by the supervisors of soil conservation districts, and two are appointed by the governor. The term of office of every member of the committee is three years. No member of the committee may serve for more than two full successive terms. In addition, the committee invites advisory nonvoting members from the North Dakota association of soil conservation districts, North Dakota state water commission, North Dakota game and fish department, commissioner of agriculture, soil conservation service, and the cooperative extension service. 3. Administrative officer. The committee employs an administrative officer and such technical experts, agents, and employees as authorized by the legislative assembly. 4. Functions. The committee supervises and directs organization of soil conservation districts upon petition by qualified land occupiers, assists and informs supervisors of soil conservation districts, coordinates programs of soil conservation districts, and secures cooperation and assistance of state and federal agencies and organizations relating to the conservation of soil and soil resources and represents the state in matters affecting soil conservation. The committee administers the surface mining reports law, which establishes an inventory on the surface mining of minerals other than coal. The committee administers a soil survey map finishing/digitizing program and a soil conservation technician grants program. 5. Inquiries. Inquiries regarding the committee may be addressed to: Extension Program Director, Soil and Water Leadership Development ND State Soil Conservation Committee Morrill Hall, Room 307C Department 7390, P.O. Box 6050 Fargo, ND 58108-6050