WV does not, but we tell districts with work crews that they cannot bid on contracts and compete with the private sector.

Washington State Conservation Commission prepared a policy position for Conservation Districts potential competition with private sector. Forwarding to Aaron and Deb.

In Iowa, districts are allowed to provide "services" to implement their mission, however it sometimes creates a conflict if they are in direct competition with the private sector. If a district chooses to provide a service they must keep a "contractors list" of vendors that provide the service. The entire list of vendors must be provided to anyone that inquires about that service so as to not be promoting the district over the private sector.

Vince

Ohio does not have a policy specific to SWCDs. However, state ethics laws discourage some of this from happening.

In Missouri if a soil and water conservation district (SWCD) raises funds through the sale of conservation-related services or items, we advise the SWCD that they must refrain from competing with local vendors offering similar services.

There is also state statute on this issue that states “Any soil and water conservation district engaged in the marketing or buying and selling of farm products used directly or indirectly in soil conservation shall be required to obtain approval from the state soil and water districts commission to continue such activity if the commission receives written complaints from three or more business entities. Upon request from any person, all soil and water conservation districts shall provide information on the complaint procedure provided in this section, including information on how to contact the state soil and water districts commission. ”

We advise the SWCDs that they must not encourage or coerce landowners into purchasing products or services from a preferred vendor and must not participate in any arrangement that results in the district receiving a commission (kickback).

We also recommend to SWCDs that they should not display advertisements on information and education generated publications (newsletters, websites, etc.).

In addition equipment may be owned by a SWCD and rented to individuals. The district is discouraged from making a profit in this endeavor. The SWCD must refrain from competing with local vendors offering similar services.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Louisiana does not, but we caution our district not to compete with the private sector. Also district have to get prior approval from the Office of Soil and Water Conservation and the State Commission into such outside activities.