Interested in local resource conservation issues or setting up projects to protect the Dungeness Valley's environment?

Then it may be time to throw in your bid to become a Clallam Conservation District supervisor. Two positions are opening on the board in 2009.

One position will be filled through a local election. The second will be filled by an appointment from the state-level conservation district.

Don Hatler is the incumbent for the elected position.

"I am planning to put my name in there for another three-year term," Hatler said.

"I like working with the district and I really appreciate what the district does for this area."

Anyone residing in and registered to vote in Clallam County is eligible to run for the position of Conservation District supervisor. To be listed on the election ballot, a nomination petition for elected supervisor form signed by 25 or more registered Clallam County voters must be submitted to the Clallam Conservation District.

The form is available at the Clallam Conservation District office, 1601 E. Front St., Building A, Suite A, Port Angeles.

Copies also can be obtained by calling the district at 452-1912 ext. 5 or by visiting the Washington State Conservation Commission Web site,

www.scc.wa.gov.

The completed petition, including the 25 signatures, must be verified by the Clallam Conservation District or the Clallam County auditor by Feb. 4.

The election will be held from 3-6 p.m. Feb. 19 with polling stations at the Helen Haller Elementary School gym, 350 W. Fir St., and at the Port of Port Angeles office, 338 W. First St. in Port Angeles.

Anyone who is registered to vote and living in Clallam County can participate in the election.

"One doesn't have to be on the ballot to win either," said Joe Holtrop, Conservation District manager. "We've had successful write-in campaigns in the past."

Besides the elected seat, those interested can apply to the Washington State Conservation Commission for an appointment to the local board.

The board has five members. Three are elected and two are appointed. The three elected positions are held by Hatler, Marilyn Pollock and Joe Murray. The appointed seats are held by Ben Smith and Nash Huber.

Smith's seat, which also holds a three-year term, is up for reappointment. Smith has submitted an application for reappointment.

A position of appointed conservation district supervisor form must be submitted to the Clallam Conservation District or the Washington State Conservation Commission. The required form may be obtained through the same channels as the elected position form.

Application forms must be received by the state conservation commission no later than March 31.

The Clallam Conservation District board of supervisors identifies local conservation needs, sets goals and oversees the implementation of plans to protect soil, water, wildlife and other renewable natural resources.

The board employs a staff of five and oversees an annual budget of approximately $2 million. Supervisors meet at 3 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Clallam Conservation District office.



Reach Evan McLean at emclean@sequim gazette.com