Lorain County Conservation District

Lorain County Conservation District Board of Supervisors are publicly elected by a special general election. Supervisors will be elected to a three‐year term commencing January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2027. You are welcome to fill out an application at any time during the year by clicking here.

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Supervisors are the keys to the success of each and every district. Each supervisor has the important task of coordinating the efforts of all agencies, organizations, and individuals with responsibilities in natural resource conservation and development in your district. How well you conduct these affairs will be reflected in the accomplishments of the district. You represent those who elected you.

Soil and water conservation district business is essential. It demands your attention and leadership abilities. Your reward is the satisfaction in making a valuable contribution to the future welfare of your district. The very credibility and success of districts has been based upon local leadership. It works best when you give your best. As a supervisor, you are an elected public official responsible to the people of your district and state. 

The Board of Supervisors create an annual and long-term plan of operation that protects the District’s mission and vision and are interested, conservation-minded, local leaders who promote conservation of the county’s natural resources through education, planning and technical assistance which are key to the success of the District. Supervisors are elected to a three-year term as a public official and serve without pay. Supervisors advocate for the District, attend and participate in monthly board meetings, assist with District programs and services, and attend area and state meetings.

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The Board meets the third Tuesday of every month at 4:30pm (unless otherwise published) and meetings are open to the public. If there is a date or time change, we will provide it as required by law. The public is encouraged to contact Lynne Parsh, Office Manager, for scheduling their time at the meeting and to obtain the District Board packet of action items. Please contact Lynne for details via email or call 440-326-5800.

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​​​Election of District Supervisors per Ohio Administrative Code:

• OAC Rule 901:13-3-01: Nominations (successor elections)

• OAC Rule 901: 13-3-02: Candidate, Voter, and Ballot Eligibility (successor elections)

• OAC Rule 901:13-3-03: Note of Elections (successor elections)

• OAC Rule 901:13-3-04: Election Conduct (successor elections)

• OAC Rule 901:13-3-05 | Election challenge (successor elections)

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Governance and Operations for Board Supervisors:​

Please refer to Chapter 4 of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Soil & Water Conservation Districts Administrative Handbook, which can be downloaded below:

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This chapter is a comprehensive guide to the roles and responsibilities you have as an elected board member of an independent political subdivision of the state of Ohio. The information will assist you in conducting business within the scope of the laws and rules that govern soil and water conservation in Ohio with professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness. 

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Information for Associate Supervisors

Each district should consider appointing associate supervisors to assist in carrying out the district programs. With an increased number of people working on district programs, it is possible to establish committees to carry out various operational functions. These additional people will also expand the scope of district activities and programs. People with special talents can be chosen to do specific jobs.

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Associate supervisors may serve on various committees to:

• Assist with operational activities of the district;

• Organize neighborhood demonstrations;

• Explain the district program to prospective cooperators and other interested individuals;

• Distribute soil stewardship material;

• Enlist affiliate members;

• Conduct watershed meetings;

• Assist with district annual meetings.

An excellent time to assign associate supervisors to specific activities is during preparation of the annual plan of work. Also, decisions on when associate supervisors should meet with the board should be made well in advance and become part of the annual plan of work.

Associate supervisors may be recruited on the basis of skills needed, geographic region of the district, population demographic, or their willingness to serve. Often, districts may have specific jobs that require particular training and may need individuals to fill this need. Also, districts may consider retired SWCD supervisors or professional people interested in community service to be associate supervisors.

There is no limit on the number of associate supervisors a district may have. Associate supervisors may be given as much responsibility as regular supervisors; however, they cannot participate in a board meeting as a voting member.

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Being an associate supervisor provides excellent training for potential supervisors. Generally, it may take a supervisor several months to become acquainted with all the district activities. Being an associate supervisor provides individuals the opportunity to test their talent and determine for themselves the kind of contributions they can make to the district program.