Conservation Districts

Wyo. Stat. Ann. tit. 11, ch. 16
in effect

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-102 Definitions.

(a) As used in this act: (i) "Agency of this state" means any subdivision, agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the government of this state; (ii) "At large member" means any registered voter and taxpayer within the county; (iii) "Commission" or "state conservation commission" means the state board of agriculture; (iv) "Conservation" means development, improvement, maintenance, preservation, protection and use of natural resources, and the control and prevention of floodwater and sediment damages, and the disposal of excess waters; (v) "District" or "conservation district" means a governmental subdivision of this state, and a public body corporate and politic, organized in accordance with this act; (vi) "Due notice" for those provisions other than election and referendum provisions, means notice published at least twice, with an interval of six (6) days between the two (2) publication dates, in a newspaper of general circulation within the boundaries of the proposed or organized district, or by posting at five (5) conspicuous places within the organized or proposed district, such posting to include, where possible, posting at public places where it may be customary to post notices concerning county or municipal affairs generally. Except as otherwise provided in this act, the notice of any hearing required under this act shall fix the time, place and purpose, which shall be not less than ten (10) or more than fifteen (15) days after the first publication or first posting of the notice. Any hearing held pursuant to such notice may be adjourned from time to time without renewing the notice for the adjourned dates. Notice for any election or referendum required by this act shall be as specifically provided in this act, or if not specifically provided in this act, as required in the Special District Elections Act of 1994; (vii) "Government" or "governmental" means the government of this state, the government of the United States, and any subdivision, agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of either of them; (viii) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (ix) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5. (x) "Renewable natural resources," "natural resources" or "resources," means land, soil, water, vegetation, trees, wild rivers, wilderness, natural beauty, scenery and open space; (xi) "Urban" or "urban member" means any registered voter of an incorporated Wyoming municipality; (xii) "This act" means W.S. 11-16-101 through 11-16-135.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-103 Legislative declarations and policy.

(a) It is hereby declared that the farm and grazing lands of Wyoming are among the basic assets of the state; that improper land use practices cause and contribute to serious erosion of these lands by wind and water; that among the consequences which would result from such conditions are the deterioration of soil and its fertility and the silting and sedimentation of stream channels, reservoirs, dams and ditches; that to conserve soil, and soil and water resources, and prevent and control soil erosion, it is necessary that land use practices contributing to soil erosion be discouraged and that appropriate soil conserving land use practices be adopted. (b) It is hereby declared to be the policy of the legislature to provide for the conservation of the soil, and soil and water resources of this state, and for the control and prevention of soil erosion and for flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water, and thereby to stabilize ranching and farming operations, to preserve natural resources, protect the tax base, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, preserve wildlife, protect public lands, and protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this state.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-105 State board of agriculture; duties generally.

(a) The commission shall: (i) Keep a record of its official actions, adopt a seal, which shall be judicially noticed, and perform acts, hold public hearings and promulgate rules and regulations as necessary for the execution of its functions under this act; (ii) Assist and guide districts in the preparation and carrying out of programs for resource conservation authorized under this act, review district programs, coordinate the programs of the several districts and resolve any conflicts, and facilitate, promote, assist, harmonize, coordinate and guide the resource conservation programs and activities of districts as they relate to other special purpose districts, counties and other public agencies; (iii) Keep the supervisors of the districts organized under this act informed of the activities and experiences of other districts and facilitate cooperation and an interchange of advice and experience between the districts; (iv) Coordinate the programs of the several conservation districts so far as this may be done by advice and consultation; (v) Recommend the appropriation of state funds necessary to finance the activities of the commission and the conservation districts; distribute to conservation districts funds, equipment, supplies and services received by the commission for that purpose from any source, subject to conditions made applicable thereto by any state or federal statute or local ordinance making available the funds, property or services; issue regulations establishing guidelines and suitable controls to govern the use by conservation districts of such funds, property and services; and review all budgets, administrative procedures and operations of the districts and advise the districts concerning their conformance with applicable laws and regulations; (vi) Disseminate information throughout the state concerning the activities and programs of the conservation districts and encourage the formation of such districts in areas where their organization is desirable; enlist the cooperation and collaboration of state, federal, regional, interstate and local public and private agencies with the conservation districts; facilitate arrangements under which the conservation districts may serve county governing bodies and other agencies as their local operating agencies in the administration of any activity concerned with the conservation of renewable natural resources; and except as otherwise assigned by law, carry out the policies of this state in programs at the state level for the conservation of the renewable natural resources of this state and represent the state in matters affecting such resources. (b) Whenever the commission determines that there exists a substantial conflict between the resources conservation program of a district and the proposed plans or activities directly affecting resource conservation prepared by any other local governmental unit or agency of this state, and the conflict cannot be resolved through consultation procedures, the commission shall submit a report to the governor.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-106 Department of agriculture; when contracts invalid.

No contract of the state commission for the payment of money is valid unless the commission has available at the time the contract is made funds sufficient for the payment thereof.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-107 Report to director; reports by district supervisors to board.

(a) On or before November 1 each even-numbered year, the commission shall report to the director of the department of agriculture the number and acreages of districts in existence or in process of organization, together with an estimate of the number and probable acreages of the districts which may be organized during the ensuing period; the balance of funds, if any, available to the commission and to the districts; and the estimates of the commission as to the sums needed for its administrative and other expenses and for allocation among the several districts during the ensuing period. (b) The supervisors of the respective districts shall submit to the commission such statements, estimates, budgets and other information as the commission may require. The director shall include the information furnished by the commission in his report to the governor.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-108 Petition to form district; contents; consolidation and exclusion.

(a) Any ten (10) owners of land lying within the limits of the proposed district may file a petition with the commission asking that a conservation district be organized to function in the territory described in the petition. The petition shall meet all of the requirements of W.S. 22-29-105(f). The commission shall act upon the petition for formation in the same manner as set forth in W.S. 22-29-109 for county commissioners in determining if a petition for district formation shall be voted upon. When more than one (1) petition is filed covering parts of the same territory, the commission may consolidate all or any such petitions, or may exclude from any petition areas in conflict with another petition or petitions. (i) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5. (ii) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5. (iii) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5. (iv) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5. (v) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-109 Notice and hearing on petition; approval or denial; criteria.

After the hearing, if the commission determines, upon the facts presented at the hearing and other relevant facts that are available, that there is need in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare for a conservation district to function in the territory considered at the hearing, it shall record such determination and define by metes and bounds or by legal subdivisions the boundaries of the district. In making the determination and defining the boundaries, the commission shall give weight and consideration to the topography of the area considered and of the state, the composition of soils therein, the distribution of erosion, the carrying capacity and condition of grazing lands, the numbers of livestock grazed, the prevailing land use and management practices, the desirability and necessity of including within the district the particular lands under consideration and the benefits such land may receive from being included within the district, the relation of the proposed district to existing watersheds and agricultural regions and to other conservation districts already organized or proposed for organization, and such other physical, geographical and economic factors as are relevant, having due regard to the legislative policy set forth in W.S. 11-16-103. The territory included within the district need not be contiguous. If the commission determines there is no need for a conservation district to function in the territory considered at the hearing, it shall record such determination and deny the petition. Any owner of lands within a proposed district which is less than a countywide district may have his owned and leased lands excluded from the proposed district upon presentation of a petition and description of the lands to the commission not less than seven (7) days prior to the holding of the referendum for the organization of the district.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-110 Canvass of ballots.

(a) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5. (b) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (c) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5. (d) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (e) Immediately after the polls close, the referendum officers shall canvass the ballots. The results disclosed by the canvass shall be certified by the commission. (f) If a majority of the qualified electors voting in the referendum favor the formation of the district, the proposal to organize the proposed district shall carry and the commission shall proceed to make the determination required in W.S. 11-16-112. If the majority of the qualified electors voting in the referendum are against the organization of the district, the proposal to form the district shall fail and the commission shall deny the petition. The commission shall promptly make public the result of the referendum.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-111 Board of agriculture to provide for issuance of notices, conduct of hearings and referenda.

The commission shall provide for the issuance of notices and the conduct of hearings and referenda by appropriate regulations. It shall provide for registration prior to the date of the referendum of all eligible voters, or prescribe some other appropriate procedure for the determination of those eligible as voters in the referendum.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-112 Result of referendum; announcement; practicability of district; determination; criteria.

After making public the result of the referendum, the commission shall consider and determine whether the operation of the district within the defined boundaries is administratively practicable. If the commission determines the operation of the district is not administratively practicable, it shall record the determination and deny the petition. If the commission determines that the operation of the district is administratively practicable, it shall record the determination and proceed with the organization of the district. In making the determination the commission shall give regard to the attitudes of the voters lying within the defined boundaries, the number of voters eligible to vote in the referendum who voted, the proportion of votes cast in favor of the creation of the district to the total number of votes cast, the approximate wealth and income of the owners of land of the proposed district, the probable expense of carrying on erosion-control operations within the district, and other economic and social factors as are relevant.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-113 Establishment of district.

(a) If the commission determines the operation of the proposed district is administratively practicable, it shall appoint two (2) supervisors who are owners of land in the district to act with three (3) supervisors elected as provided hereinafter as the governing body of the district. The district shall be a governmental subdivision of this state and a public body corporate and politic. The two (2) appointed supervisors shall present to the secretary of state an application signed by them setting forth by recital only and not in detail: (i) That a petition for the creation of the district was filed with the commission pursuant to the provisions of this act, and the proceedings specified in the act were taken pursuant to the petition; (ii) That the application is filed to complete the organization of the district as a governmental subdivision and a public body, corporate and politic, under this act; (iii) That the commission has appointed them as supervisors; (iv) The name and official residence of each supervisor and a certified copy of the appointment evidencing his right to office; (v) The term of office of each supervisor; (vi) The name of the district; and (vii) The location of the principal office of the supervisors of the district. (b) The application shall be subscribed and sworn to by each supervisor before an officer authorized to administer oaths, who shall certify upon the application that he personally knows the supervisors and knows them to be the officers affirmed in the application, and that each has subscribed thereto in the officer's presence. The application shall be accompanied by a certified statement by the commission, setting forth the boundaries of the district but otherwise containing no detail other than the mere recitals that: (i) A petition was filed, notice issued and hearing held as required by law; (ii) The commission determined that there is need, in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare, for a conservation district to function in the proposed territory and did define the boundaries; (iii) Notice was given and a referendum held on the question of the creation of such district; (iv) The result of the referendum showed a majority of the votes cast in favor of the creation of the district; and (v) The commission did determine the operation of the proposed district is administratively practicable. (c) The secretary of state shall examine the application and statement and if he finds the name proposed for the district is not so similar to that of another conservation district as to cause confusion or uncertainty, he shall record them in an appropriate book in his office. If the secretary of state finds the name proposed for the district is so similar to that of any other conservation district of this state as to lead to confusion, he shall certify that fact to the commission, which shall submit a new name for the district which is not subject to such defects. Upon receipt of the new name the secretary of state shall record the application and statement, with the name so modified, in an appropriate book. When the application and statement have been made, filed and recorded, the district is a governmental subdivision of this state and a public body corporate and politic. The secretary of state shall issue to the supervisors a certificate, under the seal of the state, of the organization of the district, and shall record the certificate with the application and statement. The boundaries of the district shall include the territory determined by the commission, but shall not include any area included within the boundaries of another conservation district organized under this act.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-115 Districts; transfer of land; division or consolidation; change in name.

(a) Upon written request of the board of supervisors of the conservation district or districts involved, with a showing that the request is approved by a majority vote of the members of each board involved the commission may, by administrative order: (i) Transfer lands from one district to another; (ii) Divide a single district into two (2) or more districts, each of which shall thereafter operate as a separate district; or (iii) Consolidate two (2) or more districts to operate thereafter as a single district. (b) The secretary of state shall make and issue a corrected certificate of organization upon receipt of such certification from the commission. (c) Petitions for a change in the name of a conservation district may be submitted to the commission by the board of supervisors of a conservation district. If the commission approves the change of name, it shall certify the change to the secretary of state and shall notify the board of supervisors of the conservation district of the change, setting out in the notice the new name of the district. The secretary of state shall make and issue a corrected certificate of organization upon receipt of such certification from the commission.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-116 Districts; proof of organization.

In any suit, action or proceeding relating to any action of the district, the district is deemed to have been established in accordance with this act upon proof of the issuance of the certificate by the secretary of state. A copy of the certificate certified by the secretary of state is admissible in evidence in any suit, action or proceeding and is proof of the filing and contents thereof.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-117 Districts; termination; dissolution procedures; determination by board of agriculture; legal effects of dissolution.

(a) After five (5) years after the organization of a district under this act, any ten (10) owners of land lying within the district may petition the commission that the operations of the district be discontinued and the existence of the district terminated. The commission may conduct public meetings and hearings upon the petition as necessary in the consideration thereof. Within sixty (60) days after a petition has been filed with the commission, it shall give notice of a referendum as provided in the Special District Elections Act of 1994. The commission shall supervise the referendum and issue appropriate regulations governing the conduct thereof. The question shall be submitted by ballots upon which the words "For terminating the existence of the .... (name of the conservation district to be here inserted)" and "Against terminating the existence of the .... (name of the conservation district to be here inserted)" shall appear, with a square before each proposition and a direction to insert an X mark in the square before one (1) or the other as the voter may favor or oppose dissolution of the district. Qualified electors of the district are eligible to vote in the referendum. No informalities in the conduct of the referendum or related matters shall invalidate the referendum or result if notice is given substantially as herein provided and the referendum is fairly conducted. (b) The commission shall publish the result of the referendum. If a majority of the votes cast in the referendum oppose dissolution of the district, the commission shall determine whether the continued operation of the district within the defined boundaries is administratively practicable. If the commission determines the continued operation of the district is administratively practicable, it shall record its determination and deny the petition. If a majority of the votes cast favor dissolution of the district it shall certify that fact to the supervisors of the district. In making the determination of administrative practicality to continue the district the commission shall consider those factors set forth in W.S. 11-16-112 for creation of the district. (c) Upon receipt from the commission of a certification that the majority of votes cast in the referendum favor dissolution of the district, the supervisors shall forthwith terminate the affairs of the district. The supervisors shall dispose of all property belonging to the district at public auction and pay the net proceeds of the sales to the state treasurer. The supervisors shall thereupon file a verified application with the secretary of state for dissolution of the district, and shall transmit with the application the certificate of the commission that the majority of votes cast at the referendum favored dissolution of the district. The application shall recite that the property of the district has been disposed of and the proceeds paid over as provided by law, setting forth a full accounting of the properties and proceeds of sale. The secretary of state shall issue to the supervisors a certificate of dissolution and shall record the certificate in an appropriate book in his office. The secretary of state shall make no charge for any service required of him by this act. (d) Upon issuance of a certificate of dissolution all ordinances and regulations adopted and in force within the district are void. All contracts to which the district or supervisors are parties remain in force and effect for the period provided in such contracts. The commission shall be substituted for the district or supervisors as party to the contracts. The commission is entitled to all benefits and subject to all liabilities under such contracts and has the same right and liability to perform, require performance, sue and be sued thereon, and to modify or terminate the contracts as the supervisors of the district would have had. Dissolution does not affect the lien of any judgment entered or the pendency of any action instituted under W.S. 11-16-126 [repealed], and the commission succeeds to all rights and obligations of the district or supervisors as to such liens and actions.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-118 District supervisors; term; vacancies; expenses; removal; quorum; bond required of employees; areas included in district; cooperative agreement with city.

(a) The term of the two (2) supervisors appointed extends from their appointment until the second annual election held in the district. A supervisor shall hold office from his election or appointment and taking of the oath of office until his successor has been elected or appointed, and qualified. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired term. Vacancies in the office of any supervisor shall be filled by appointment by the commission upon the recommendations of the district supervisors, the appointee to serve until the next election at which time the vacancy shall be filled by the electors for the unexpired term. A supervisor shall receive no compensation for his services, but is entitled to expenses, including traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of his duties. Any supervisor may be removed by the commission upon notice and hearing, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office. (b) A majority of the supervisors constitutes a quorum and the concurrence of three (3) supervisors is required for determination of any matter. (c) The supervisors shall require a bond to be issued for all employees and officers entrusted with funds or property. The supervisors shall provide for keeping a full and accurate record of all proceedings, resolutions, regulations and orders issued or adopted. The accounts, receipts and disbursements of the district shall be subject to the audit and reporting requirements set forth in W.S. 9-1-507(a)(iii). (d) All cities, towns, villages or other urban and suburban areas lying wholly or partly within the exterior boundaries of a conservation district shall, from the effective date of this act, be included in the district. In doubtful cases, the commission shall determine the district which includes any urban or suburban area. (e) By cooperative agreement with the city concerned, a district may perform within the boundaries of the city any work required or authorized under this act, through such administrative and financial arrangements as the city and the district agree upon.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-119 District supervisors; nomination; qualifications; election; term.

Within thirty (30) days after issuance by the secretary of state of a certificate of organization of a conservation district, applications for election under the Special District Elections Act of 1994 may be filed with the commission by candidates for supervisors, who shall be owners of land within the district. The commission may extend for not to exceed thirty (30) days the time within which applications may be filed. The commission shall give notice of an election to be held for the election of three (3) supervisors for the district. All qualified electors within the district are eligible to vote. The three (3) supervisors first elected shall draw lots, one (1) for a term of two (2) years, and two (2) for a term of three (3) years. Thereafter supervisors shall be elected each year to serve for a full term of three (3) years. The number of supervisors elected each year shall be determined by the number of supervisors whose terms expire at that time. The commission shall provide for all elections, supervise the conduct thereof, and prescribe regulations governing the conduct of all elections, and shall make public the result thereof.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-120 District supervisors; elections under Election Code and for new districts.

(a) District supervisors shall be elected in subsequent elections under the Special District Elections Act of 1994 and as hereinafter provided for new districts: (i) At the first subsequent director election following establishment of a new district, five (5) supervisors, who reside within the district shall be elected at large by a nonpartisan ballot. Three (3) supervisors shall be rural residents, one (1) shall be a resident of an urban area and one (1) shall be elected at large. At the first subsequent director election, the at large candidate receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected for a four (4) year term, the urban candidate receiving the largest number of votes shall be elected for a four (4) year term, the rural candidate receiving the largest number of votes shall serve a four (4) year term and the two (2) candidates receiving the next highest number of votes shall be elected for two (2) year terms. In succeeding elections all supervisors shall be elected for four (4) year terms. (ii) Repealed by Laws 1998, ch. 115, § 5.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-121 District supervisor; cooperation and agreements between districts; agreements with districts in adjoining states.

(a) The supervisors of two (2) or more districts organized under this act may cooperate in the exercise of any or all powers conferred in this act. (b) Any two (2) or more districts may engage in joint activities by agreement for planning, financing, constructing, operating, maintaining and administering any program or project concerned with the conservation of renewable natural resources. The districts concerned may make available for purposes of the agreement any funds, property, personnel, equipment or services available to them under this act. (c) Any district may enter into such agreements with districts in an adjoining state if the law in the other state permits such agreements. (d) The commission may propose, guide and facilitate the establishment and carrying out of such agreements.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-122 Powers and duties of districts and supervisors thereof generally.

(a) Each conservation district organized under this act shall make an annual estimate of the funds required by the district for conservation programs and present a certified copy of the estimate, along with a budget showing all anticipated income and expenses, to the county commissioners. District supervisors shall administer the finances of the district according to the provisions of the Uniform Municipal Fiscal Procedures Act, except that an annual audit in accordance with W.S. 16-4-121 is not required. Each district shall comply with the provisions of W.S. 9-1-507(a)(iii). (b) A conservation district organized under this act and the supervisors thereof, in addition to other powers granted by this act, may: (i) Employ personnel and determine their duties and conditions of employment; (ii) Call upon the attorney general of the state for legal services or employ their own counsel and legal staff; (iii) Delegate to their chairman, to one (1) or more supervisors or to one (1) or more agents or employees such delegable powers and duties as they deem proper; (iv) Furnish to the state conservation commission upon request, copies of ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, contracts, forms and other documents they adopt or employ, and such other information concerning their activities as it may require and to the county clerk copies of ordinances, rules, regulations and orders it adopts in accordance with law; (v) Conduct surveys, investigations and research and disseminate information relating to range management, the character of soil erosion, flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water, and the preventive and control measures and works of improvement needed, but in order to avoid duplication of research activities, no district shall initiate any research program except in cooperation with the government of this state or its agencies, or with the United States or its agencies; (vi) Conduct demonstration projects within the district on lands owned or controlled by this state or its agencies, with the cooperation of the agency administering and having jurisdiction thereof, and on other lands within the district with the consent of the owner or occupier of the lands, to demonstrate range management practices, the means, methods and measures by which soil and soil resources may be conserved, and soil erosion in the form of soil blowing and washing may be prevented and controlled and works of improvement for flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water may be carried out; (vii) Carry out preventive and control measures and works of improvement within the district, including engineering operations, range management, methods of cultivation, the growing of grass or other vegetation, changes in use of land or any measure which may be developed for the control of erosion and better use of soil, and works of improvement for flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water on lands owned or controlled by this state or its agencies, with the cooperation of the agency administering and having jurisdiction thereof, or on other lands within the district with the consent of the owner or occupier of the lands; (viii) Cooperate, including but not limited to representing the conservation district as a cooperating agency with special expertise as provided by the National Environmental Policy Act and in federal land planning implementation as provided in W.S. 11-16-135(a), enter into agreements with and furnish financial or other aid to, any agency, governmental or otherwise, or any owner or occupier of lands within the district, in carrying on range management or erosion control and prevention operations and works of improvement for flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water within the district, subject to such conditions as the supervisors deem necessary; (ix) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (x) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (xi) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (xii) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (xiii) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (xiv) Make available on terms it prescribes, to owners and occupiers of land within the district, agricultural and engineering machinery and equipment, fertilizer, seeds and seedlings, male breeding animals, livestock supplies and such other material or equipment as will assist the owners and occupiers of land to carry on operations upon their lands and upon those owned or leased by the district, for range improvement and stabilization, the conservation of soil and water resources, the prevention and control of soil erosion and for flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water. The assistance authorized by this paragraph shall be on a limited scale for demonstration purposes and the district shall not be deemed authorized to compete with private industry; (xv) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (xvi) Develop and implement comprehensive resource use and management plans for range improvement and stabilization, conservation of soil, water and vegetative resources, control and prevention of soil erosion and for flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water within the district, which plans shall include range management provisions and shall specify in detail the acts, procedures, performances and avoidances necessary or desirable to carry out the plans, including the specification of engineering operation, fence and stockwater developments, methods of cultivation, the growing of grass and other vegetation, cropping and range programs, tillage and grazing practices, and changes in use of lands. In developing plans under this paragraph, the supervisors of the district shall consider the customs and culture of residents of the district as those customs and culture relate to the land and resource, current and historical information and data related to the uses of the land and resource; (xvii) Make public the plans and information and bring them to the attention of owners and occupiers of land within the district; (xviii) Repealed by Laws 1987, ch. 21, § 3. (xix) Manage, as agent of the United States or any of its agencies, and enter into agreements with the United States or any of its agencies, or this state or any of its agencies, to effect cooperation with the United States or any of its agencies under United States Public Law 566 approved August 4, 1954, or amendments thereto, in connection with the acquisition, construction, operation or administration of any land utilization, soil conservation, erosion control, erosion prevention, flood prevention projects, conservation of water, water utilization, disposal of water in watershed areas and other water projects within its boundaries; (xx) Act as representative for local groups in dealing with the United States or its representatives, in soil or water conservation matters under United States Public Law 566 approved August 4, 1954, or amendments thereto; (xxi) Accept donations, gifts and contributions in money, services, materials or otherwise from any source which will impose no financial obligation upon the state, and use or expend the monies, services, materials or contributions in carrying on its operations; (xxii) Sue and be sued in the name of the district; (xxiii) Have a seal, which shall be judicially noticed; (xxiv) Have perpetual succession unless terminated as hereinafter provided; (xxv) Make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary to the exercise of its powers; (xxvi) Make, amend and repeal rules and regulations not inconsistent with this act, to implement its purposes and powers; (xxvii) As a condition to extending any benefits to or performance of work upon any land not owned or controlled by the state or its agencies, require contributions in money, services, materials or otherwise to any operations conferring benefits and require owners and occupiers of land to enter into and perform such agreements or covenants as to the permanent use of such lands as will prevent or control erosion and prevent flood water and sediment damages thereon and promote the best use of such lands; (xxviii) The supervisors of a conservation district which has officially adopted a comprehensive plan pursuant to W.S. 11-16-122(b)(xvi) may coordinate with federal agencies as provided in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974, as amended by the national Forest Management Act of 1976 and any other federal statute which provides for coordination with local governments and federal regulations adopted pursuant to those acts. (c) A conservation district shall not purchase or hold title to farm lands as defined by W.S. 11-34-101(a)(ii).

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-123 Applicability of provisions concerning other agencies; validity of contracts of supervisors.

(a) No provisions with respect to the acquisition, operation or disposition of property by other public bodies are applicable to a district organized hereunder unless the legislature shall specifically so state. (b) No contract of the district supervisors for the payment of money is valid unless the supervisors have at the time the contract is made funds in cash, securities or deposits sufficient for the payment thereof.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-124 Administration of oaths by secretary or treasurer of district.

The secretary or treasurer of the district are severally authorized to administer oaths within their district in any matter pertaining to the business of their district where an oath is required by law.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-132 Publicly owned lands to be administered in cooperation with districts.

Agencies of the state, county or any political subdivision of the state which have jurisdiction over or are charged with the administration of any state, county or other publicly owned lands lying within the boundaries of any district organized hereunder, shall cooperate to the fullest extent with the supervisors of the district to effect the programs and operations undertaken by the supervisors under this act and may lease such lands to a district. The supervisors of the districts shall be given free access to enter and perform work upon the publicly owned lands. The provisions of conservation ordinances have the force and effect of law over all publicly owned lands, and shall be in all respects observed by the agencies administering the lands.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-133 Tax levied on property in district; maximum amount; soil and water conservation fund; other appropriation authorized.

(a) Subject to W.S. 11-16-134, the county commissioners may annually levy a tax to carry out this act. The tax shall be levied upon all property in the district and shall not exceed one (1) mill on each one dollar ($1.00) of assessed valuation. The tax is not part of the general county or city mill levies. The tax shall be levied and collected as other county taxes and the county treasurer shall remit the taxes collected to the district to a separate fund to be known as the conservation district fund, which shall be used only to carry out the purposes of this act. (b) Whether or not a tax levy is authorized under W.S. 11-16-134, each board of county commissioners may make appropriations from the county general fund to districts established under this act for the purpose of providing soil and water conservation programs.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-134 Imposition of tax; vote of electors required.

(a) No tax shall be imposed under W.S. 11-16-133 until the proposition to impose the tax is submitted to a vote of the voters of the district and a majority of those casting their ballots vote in favor of imposing the tax. Any tax imposed under this act shall be levied in the year following the election at which the imposition of the tax is approved. (b) The proposition to impose a tax under this act shall be at the expense of the county and may be submitted to the voters of the county upon the receipt by the board of county commissioners of a petition requesting the election signed by a majority of the supervisors of the district. The election shall be at the direction and under the supervision of the board of county commissioners. (c) Subject to the limitation of subsection (b) of this section, the proposition to impose a tax under this act shall be submitted on an election date authorized under W.S. 22-21-103, or by mail ballot pursuant to W.S. 22-29-115 and 22-29-116. A notice of election shall be given by the county clerk in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation published in the county wherein the election is to be held and shall specify the object of the election. The notice shall be published at least once each week for a thirty (30) day period preceding the election. At the election the ballots shall contain the words "for the conservation district tax" and "against the conservation district tax". Upon the initial submission of the conservation district tax, or any renewal thereof, after July 1, 1995, the conservation district board of supervisors shall choose one (1) of the following options and the words of the chosen option shall be clearly printed in the appropriate area on the election ballot: (i) If this proposition is approved, the same proposition shall be submitted at the second following general election or by mail ballot pursuant to W.S. 22-29-115 and 22-29-116, and thereafter at succeeding general elections or by mail ballot pursuant to W.S. 22-29-115 and 22-29-116, every four (4) years until the proposition is defeated; or (ii) If this proposition is approved, the tax shall remain in effect until a petition to discontinue the tax, signed by not less than ten percent (10%) of the voters of the district, is received by the board of county commissioners, and the proposal to discontinue the tax is approved by the voters. The proposal to discontinue the tax shall be submitted to the voters of the district at the expense of the county at the next general election or by mail ballot pursuant to W.S. 22-29-115 and 22-29-116 for approval or disapproval.

Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 11-16-135 Special expertise of supervisors of conservation districts.

When representing a conservation district as a cooperating agency in matters related to the National Environmental Policy Act and in federal land planning, implementation and management actions, supervisors of a conservation district shall be deemed to have special expertise on all subject matters for which they have statutory responsibility as provided in W.S. 11-16-122, including but not limited to all subject matters directly or indirectly related to stabilization of the agriculture industry, protection of natural resources including but not limited to data and information, conservation of soil and water resources, control and prevention of soil erosion, flood prevention or the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water within the district.
Source: WY Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title11.pdfFetched: 10/4/2026

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