Washington Administrative Code Title 135 - Conservation Commission
The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Title 135 is dedicated to the Conservation Commission. This title contains the regulations that govern the operations of the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) and its relationship with the 45 local conservation districts across the state.
The SCC is the coordinating state agency for these conservation districts. Its core mission is to conserve natural resources on all lands in Washington, primarily through voluntary and incentive-based programs, in collaboration with the local districts and other partners.
Here's a breakdown of the key chapters and the types of regulations you would typically find within WAC Title 135:
Chapter 135-04 - Meetings of the Board of Supervisors (formerly "Establishment of Meeting Dates"):
This chapter outlines the procedures for the official meetings of the Conservation Commission's governing board. It details:
The purpose of the meetings, in compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act (RCW 42.30).
Regular meeting schedules.
Provisions for special meetings.
Requirements for public notice of meetings.
Ensuring that meetings are open to the public.
Chapter 135-10 - Governing the Use of Funds:
This chapter sets the rules for how funds managed or distributed by the Conservation Commission are used. It likely covers:
Purpose: The goals for which funds are to be expended, generally related to natural resource conservation.
Distribution Policy: How funds are allocated to conservation districts or other entities.
Guidelines: Specific criteria or standards for projects and programs receiving funding.
Distribution Categories: Classification of funding for different types of conservation efforts.
Chapter 135-100 - Special Assessments for Natural Resource Conservation:
This chapter provides the regulations for conservation districts to levy special assessments on landowners within their boundaries for natural resource conservation efforts. It would include:
Purpose: The conditions under which such assessments can be made to fund specific conservation projects.
Process for Levying: The procedures districts must follow, including public hearings and approval by the county legislative authority.
Term of Assessment: Minimum and maximum terms for these assessments (e.g., typically one to ten years).
Use of Funds: How revenue from special assessments must be utilized.
Chapter 135-110 - Election and Replacement of Conservation District Supervisors:
This is a detailed chapter outlining the specific procedures for the election and, if necessary, removal of local conservation district supervisors. It covers:
Supervisor Qualifications: Requirements for individuals to serve as supervisors.
Election Procedures:
Setting election dates and providing due public notice.
Candidate filing requirements.
Ballot preparation and distribution (including mail-in and absentee ballots).
Voter eligibility verification (e.g., landowner or farm operator status).
Polling place rules, if applicable.
Procedures for counting votes and reporting results.
Certification of Elections: The role of the Conservation Commission in canvassing returns and certifying election winners.
Removal from Office: Procedures for removing a supervisor due to neglect of duty or malfeasance, including notice, public hearing, and a vote by the Conservation Commission governing board.
Filling Vacancies: How vacancies on district boards are filled (by appointment or special election).
Overall Purpose and Duties of the Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC):
The regulations in WAC Title 135 enable the SCC to carry out its statutory duties, which include:
Supporting Conservation Districts: Providing financial, operational, and technical support to the 45 local conservation districts.
Coordination: Serving as the central coordinating agency for conservation efforts across the state.
Policy and Program Development: Designing policy and program structures that empower local districts to address site-specific natural resource conditions.
Grant and Funding Administration: Administering state and federal funds for conservation programs.
Oversight: Providing oversight of district operations, including elections and financial management.
Promoting Voluntary Conservation: Encouraging landowners to adopt conservation practices through incentive-based, non-regulatory programs.
Addressing Key Natural Resource Issues: Working on issues such as soil health, water quality, habitat restoration, and agricultural sustainability.
For the most accurate and current version of the Washington Administrative Code, including Title 135, it is always recommended to consult the official Washington State Legislature website's WAC portal (app.leg.wa.gov/WAC) or the Washington State Conservation Commission's
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