GCCD Board of Supervisor Election and Appointment
In Washington, conservation districts hold a unique position in the conservation of our natural resources. They serve as local contact for landowners , farmers, and ranchers as they seek to conserve our natural resources.
Conservation districts are governed by a board of five supervisors, three of whom are elected locally by the public and two of whom are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission. At least two of the elected and one of the appointed supervisors must be local landowners or operators of a farm. The term of office is three years. Supervisors serve without compensation - they are volunteers.
Each conservation district determines their own election day between January and March, which in turn determines when a candidate must file. Contact GCCD for our election date by phone (509) 765-9618, in person at 1107 S Juniper Dr., Moses Lake, WA 98837 or email at Marie-Lotz@columbiabasincds.org .
Each conservation district may have an appointment position open for applications. Contact GCCD to see when an appointed position is up. Applications and supporting materials must be received by the Washington State Conservation Commission by the end of March each year. Visit the Conservation Commission website at http://www.scc.wa.gov/ .
Conservation districts occupy a distinctive niche in local stewardship, acting as a bridge between landowners, farmers, ranchers, and the wider community. They help connect people with the natural resources of the surrounding landscape, offering guidance on responsible management of soil, water, and habitat. By serving as a familiar local point of contact, these districts make conservation knowledge accessible to those who work the land and to neighbors who care about the future of their shared environment.
At the heart of every district is a board of supervisors who shape its priorities and direction. In Washington, five supervisors guide each district, with a mix of publicly elected and state-appointed members bringing diverse perspectives to the table. Requirements that include local landowners and farm operators among the board help ensure that decisions reflect the realities of working landscapes. This structure balances public accountability with practical experience in resource management.
Elected supervisors play a particularly visible role, since they are chosen by community members who care about how their region’s natural resources are managed. Their terms allow for continuity while still inviting fresh voices and ideas through regular elections. Voters have a direct way to influence local conservation priorities, from water quality to wildlife habitat, simply by participating in these community-level elections that shape the district’s leadership.
Appointed supervisors, selected through the state conservation commission, add another layer of perspective to the board. Their role complements the locally elected members and helps connect the district to broader statewide efforts. Together, the appointed and elected supervisors form a collaborative team, working alongside district staff to deliver programs, education, and technical assistance that serve the public good and the long-term health of natural resources.
The blend of elections and appointments is part of what makes conservation districts unique among local entities. It blends grassroots participation with state-level coordination, giving communities a real voice in how their land and water are cared for. Whether through voting in supervisor elections or learning about appointment opportunities, residents can take part in shaping conservation work that affects farms, wildlife, and the everyday quality of the local landscape.