'^ Pris.^i'c/c-r?'C 3e-2. 



PETER V. JACKSON 



I have just completed a statewide trip to our six 

 Area Meetings. We have had to travel many miles with a 

 minimum of sleep, but It was worth every moment of It. 

 Wlien you get to sit In on meetings and hear supervisors 

 communicate on such an Intelligent level, then you can 

 feel completely reassured that what you have said about 

 them was true. 



Soil and Water Conservation Districts are ready, 

 able, and willing to take on and carry to completion 

 the job that we are preparing for, which Is the modem 

 concept of resource development. No longer can we talk 

 of simple wind and water erosion control programs; in- 

 stead, we will work on the situation as a %rtiole. The 

 entire economic community of an area must be considered 

 and worked on If we are to get full value for our money 

 spent. This will be our overall plan of attack that 

 we will be following In the future. 



At one meeting 1 was akked by a new, young Super-* 

 visor, "How do you use the State Association, the Soil Conservation Service, and the State 

 Committee?" The question seemed easy to answer, but after I had told him what my ideas 

 were, he still seemed to be a little confused. Therefore, I proceeded to try to explain 

 In detail, and to my amazement, I believe 1 explained It to myself also. 



The Soil Conservation Service, of course, provides the technical assistance, but this 

 becomes very broad too, for as you discuss new projects either on your own fann or at a 4 

 District meeting you realize that there is something different here than with some other 

 governmental agency. The Soil Conservation Service is here to assist, not order, and 

 they have to wait to be asked. I believe this is cooperation In its finest form, for they 

 must prove their worth on every job they do in order to stay in existence. 



The State Association of Districts is an action group. Here, you have benefit of the 

 sharp minds of Supervisors from all over the State working together to solve problems, im- 

 plenent programs, and represent the Districts at every level, be it local. State, or 

 National. For our program to be useful, this Organization must be kept strong and inde- 

 pendent, so as to keep It active. Whenever the Association gets lack-a-daisical or depen- 

 dent, nearly all our progress ceases and we simply struggle to stay alive. 



The State Soil Conservation Committee has some very particular duties charged to its 

 care. These are to give advice and counsel to Districts, see that the District law is 

 properly interpreted and adhered to. This Is a precise duty and should be only done at 

 this level. Should you need advice on some particular question, don't take it to the 

 State Association for an interpretive answer, but be sure you go to the State Committee. 

 If they can't give you an accurate answer immediately, they are in a position to get it 

 for you. It is very important that answers are given correctly if our image and reputa- 

 tion are to stay Intact. Also, the State Committee answers directly to the State Govern- 

 ment because of the appointments by the Governor to this Committee. This is a legal tie; 

 Districts are a subdivision of the State and therefor district responsibility must be 

 observed. Also, the State Committee handles matters pertaining to State level actions 

 working in Joint liaison with other Bureaus and Agencies. 



After considering all things affecting our relationship, it comes out that coopera- 

 tion Is the key to our success. No one id dependent; we are all Independent, but to gain 

 any semblance of success we must work closely together in a cooperative joint effort. A 

 Bureaucracy or Federal control is Impossible under these terms. I personally have never 

 seen a more workable plan; it demands respect, cooperation, and honesty. I am proud to 

 be a part of this Organization, and I am sure it will accomplish great thing* in the future. 



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