Building Partnerships

1. Building Partnerships

2. Partners in Conservation BLM-Bureau of Land Management BOR-Bureau of Reclamation CACD-Colorado Association of Conservation Districts CCA-Colorado Cattlemen’s Association CDA-Colorado Department of Agriculture CDPHE-Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment CFB-Colorado Farm Bureau CSCB-Colorado State Conservation Board CSFS-Colorado State Forest Service CSU Extension-Colorado State University Extension DNR-Department of Natural Resources CPW-Colorado Parks & Wildlife NRCS-Natural Resources Conservation Service RMFU-Rocky Mountain Farm Bureau USFS-US Forest Service USFWS-US Fish and Wildlife Service Water-Water Conservation and Conservancy Districts Counties & Cities Environmental Organizations

3. Discover Your Partners Conservation districts rely on cooperative assistance and funding from federal, state and local governments; district associations; and private organizations and businesses. Undertaking the daunting task facing Districts would be impossible without partnerships, alliances and cooperative activities. It is important to use the diversity of groups and individuals, the expertise of all parties and the enthusiasm and energy of as many as possible to succeed in addressing natural resource concerns. Conservation districts work with partners as a regular part of everyday business at the local, state and national levels to maximize the impact of the efforts dedicated to conservation activities. Whether districts are conducting educational events for the general public, working with agricultural producers to implement conservation practices, or advising developers and municipalities on best management practices, districts count on these partners’ technical assistance and often times, financial support. See the NACD website for more information on partners. http://www.nacdnet.org/about/partners/index.phtml

4. Partnership Development Building Trust Between Organizations Trust – both between individuals and organizations – is at the core of today’s complex and rapidly changing environment. With trust as a foundation, districts can share their know-how to achieve results that exceed the sum of the parts. Trust is not a matter of blind faith. You must construct it – step by step. Building trust between organizations involves shared vision, values, beliefs, assumptions, past experiences, learning, leadership communication, politics, practices, priorities, and structures. Negotiating Negotiation is the game of life and business, and a positive way of structuring the communication process. Whenever you attempt to reconcile differences, resolve disputes, manage conflict, influence others, establish or improve relationships you are negotiating. Strategic Alliances Strategic alliances enable districts to gain competitive advantage through access to a partner’s resources, including markets, technologies, capital and people. Teaming up with others adds complementary resources and capabilities, enabling participants to grow and expand more quickly and efficiently. Districts must rely heavily on alliances to extend their technical and operational resources. In the process, they save time and boost productivity by not having to develop their own from scratch.

5. Working Effectively with Partners The job of conserving Colorado’s natural resources is a BIG job and rather overwhelming. It is time-consuming and costly, as well as never ending. No one entity will get the job done alone. It will take multiple groups working together to succeed at your mission. Therefore, partnering with other agencies, organizations, and individuals is extremely important. The primary tool for developing and maintaining partnerships is open and frequent communications. We have to know and understand each other’s goals and objectives in order to work together. This is just one more reason for the District to develop good Long Rang Plans and Annual Plans of Work. It provides your partners with information on what you see as important to your community. Once the District has their plans in place, they can seek other partners who have similar goals for assistance. Of course the first entity that comes to mind as a partner is the Natural Resources Conservation Service but in reality they are just one of many partners a District should have. The District will be most effective if it reaches out to the other agencies, organizations, and individuals that can help.

6. Reaching Out to Partners First it is important to develop relationships (network) with others without asking for anything from them. Simply let them know who the District is and explain your mission / purpose. Find out what their organization’s mission and goals are to find common ground. If you find a common purpose or program, offer to help if it is something the District could participate in. Once the relationship has been developed and the District has identified a specific project or program you want to accomplish, develop a plan for implementation. Take that written plan and present it to an individual with whom you have developed a relationship within that agency or organization with similar goals/mission and ask if they would be able to help the District move it forward. This may mean getting your foot in the door to make your presentation to others or identify other ways of getting assistance.

7. Contracts and Memorandums of Understanding If you get assistance (financial or technical), it is important to continue open communications and let partners know your progress. Contracts and Memorandums of Understanding help to outline and define the goals and relationship boundaries. More information about developing these is available in the Online Conservation District Manual on the CSCB website. Written reports may be required, but it is even more important to follow up with personal contact and let partners know the successes and challenges you encounter. Invite partners to see it and/or participate first hand. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words, so document activities using pictures. The Fundraising Guide on the CSCB website (Chapter 12 of the Conservation District Reference Manual) has more guidance on developing relationships and asking for support from partners.

8. Partner Work Chart National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Washington D.C. Governor of Colorado NACD Southwest Region NRCS Colorado State Conservationist Colorado Department of Agriculture Colorado Association of Conservation Districts (CACD) Conservation Services Division NRCS Area Conservationists Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB) NRCS District Conservationists Watershed Associations CSCB Staff Partners with Conservation Interests Conservation Districts Landowners Conservation districts work primarily with several close partnerships as illustrated by the chart to the right. These relationships are important as districts work addressing natural resource concerns for local landowners. What each partner brings to the table is provided, shortly.

9. Defining Partners Districts work with many partners. The following pages list brief descriptions and is not all inclusive. Private industries are also often interested in conservation as a matter of improving their business climate. Districts are becoming creative in the search for resources for quality programs and are interested in cooperating with non-traditional partners with common goals and visions for protecting and conservation natural resources.

10. Locally Led Conservation Home-grown has an all new meaning . . . Locally led conservation is at the heart of all Conservation District operations. The idea is that Conservation District’s were created to provide local leadership and to ensure that local people set priorities for conservation in their communities. Districts are given a unique opportunity to bring together local stakeholders to provide input into planning and carrying out conservation programs at the local level. They are able to guide and coordinate all federal, state and local conservation efforts through the use of locally led conservation.

11. Locally Led Conservation • Locally led conservation is resource driven – not program driven. • Locally led conservation goes beyond the Farm Bill or any individual program. • Locally led conservation creates new opportunities for farmers, ranchers, and the community.

12. Who are my Partners? FSA county committee and staff NRCS district conservationist and staff District cooperators Colorado State Conservation Board staff Local, state, and tribal – environmental, agriculture, and recreational programs Agricultural organizations Environmental and conservation agencies Civic groups Local and state elected officials Residential community associations Local boards of education and local schools Local businesses that have an impact on natural resources Garden clubs Political organizations (Democratic, Republican clubs, League of Women Voters) Hunting, Fishing and recreation organizations Builder’s associations

13. District Partners

14. FSA, USFW, USFS Farm Service Agency (FSA) The FSA administers cost-sharing programs to farmers implementing conservation. It also provides aerial photos for conservation work, assistance for land treatment and development, and natural disaster relief. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) The USFWS is responsible for wild birds, mammals (except certain marine mammals), and inland sport fisheries. The USFWS conducts research activities, conducts environmental impact assessments, and manages wildlife refuges. In some cases, USFWS provides funding for habitat restoration projects. U.S. Forest Service (USFS) The USFS has federal responsibility for forestry. The USFS sponsors cooperative programs through state forestry agencies, the Natural Resources Conservation Service and conservation districts to control fires, stabilize gullies, improve forest growth, plant trees, and control forest pests. Coordination is available on land use issues and recreation concerns to districts and landowners.

15. BLM, BOR, EPA, CORPS Bureau of Land Management (BLM) The BLM provides technical assistance to districts and landowners on a one-on-one basis or through presentations to groups. Coordination is available on land use issues and recreation concerns on private and public lands. Riparian studies are completed to address grazing pressures on sensitive areas. The agency also works closely with the districts on issues such as noxious weed management. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) The BOR provides financial and technical assistance for water conservation and water quality. The agency is also very involved in salinity control. Equipment such as flow meters may be available to districts. Assistance to districts in grant application preparation is potential service of this Agency. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The EPA provides funding to develop and install water quality projects, especially in the area of nonpoint source pollution. Water quality inventories are completed on watershed projects. Army Corps of Engineers (CORPS) The CORPS provides financial and technical assistance to landowners and districts on activities in streams and rivers. This Agency also administers the 404 permit for these activities.

16. CSU - Extension Colorado State University Extension (CSUE) Assistance from CSU Extension is commonly available from extension agents (“county agents”) and specialists. Assistance with information and education activities listed in the annual plan of work is available. They are also available to counsel, educate and train conservation districts in economics, engineering, agronomy and soils, animal sciences, entomology, food science and technology, forestry and range management, home economics, horticulture, plant pathology, sociology, veterinary science, and many other areas. Most counties have an extension office that serves as the local contact for conservation districts to request extension assistance. The updated Soil Conservation Act provides for the service of the local extension agent as an “ex-officio” member of each conservation district board to build a strong partnership with the agency.

17. CDPHE, Colorado DNR Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Mission is to safeguard public health and our quality of life by protecting and enhancing the environment. Implement State and Federal environmental laws and work with individuals, community groups, and business to protect the quality of our air, land and water. Provide assistance for programs adopted by the CDPHE. Contact: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ Colorado Department of Natural Resources (DNR) DNR is responsible for the development, protection, and enhancement of Colorado natural resources. It is comprised of the following divisions: Colorado Division of Forestry; Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife; Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety; Colorado Division of Water Resources; Colorado Geological Survey; Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission; Colorado State Land Board; Colorado Water Conservation Board http://dnr.state.co.us/Pages/DNRDefault.aspx

18. SLB, CDOT, CPW Colorado State Land Board (SLB) The SLB manages state trust lands and cooperates with the districts on the installation of natural resource practices on their lands as well as adjoining private lands. Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) CDOT constructs and maintains the state’s transportation system. CDOT provides funds, materials and labor for the installation of living snow fence plantings. Coordination is also provided for noxious weed management programs on their properties and adjoining private lands. Districts have traditionally worked with CDOT on roadside windbreaks. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) CPW participates in long range planning with districts, federal agencies and private organizations for all wildlife resources. This includes water management, fish and wildlife habitat improvement programs, technical assistance in design of habitat improvement, the condition and preservation of all wildlife (game and nongame), and cooperating in habitat implementation projects with conservation districts, sport groups, tribal organizations, educational facilities, and civic groups. Funds have been provided for the installation of living snow fence plantings and noxious weed management. CPW works with NRCS to provide wildlife biologists in NRCS Field Offices.

19. County and Municipal County Government County governments may have similar goals as conservation districts in protecting land values and taking care of the natural resources. Counties can provide office space; funding; co-sponsorship for watershed projects and responsibility for operation and maintenance; assistance for living snow fence plantings, use of county earth moving equipment; cooperation on weed control; and funds for soil survey work. Districts by statute must review subdivision plans and provide comments on various natural resource issues. County contacts include commissioners, auditor, treasurer, recorder, engineer, assessor, highway superintendent, health officers, planning commission, parks and recreation department, weed and pest district and others. Counties and districts have developed partnerships to seek lottery funds as well as Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) funds. Counties have regulatory responsibilities for noxious weeds and dust-blowing concerns and cooperate with districts in these areas. Municipal Government Municipalities can provide funding, co-sponsorship of projects, technical and planning assistance. Urban conservation programs can include tree planting, flood run off prevention, fertilizer and pesticide management, recreation, cooperative educational activities, and improved water quantity and quality.

20. CACDE, Watersheds Colorado Association of Conservation District Employees (CACDE) The CACDE was formed in 1990 to develop conservation district employees’ abilities through continuing education and a network of professional support. Colorado Conservation District Watersheds The ten watersheds foster cooperation among conservation districts in each watershed as well as with various partners to address natural resource concerns and issues at the watershed level. They consist of watershed representatives from local district boards in each watershed.

21. KEY POINTS • Partnerships are available at many different levels, with many different groups. • Diversity among partners and business relations is just as important as building board diversity. • Locally led conservation is at the heart of how conservation districts were formed.