What does it take to be a Conservation District Supervisor? Conservation districts (CDs) are special purpose units of government that manage natural resource programs. Minnesota's 90 CDs cover the entire state; their boundaries usually coincide with the county lines. Each CD is run by a board of five elected Supervisors. To be a Supervisor, you need: > Knowledge: Supervisors must have - or be willing to learn - some basic knowledge to effectively carry out their responsibilities. They must understand: > some of the fundamentals about the environment and how it works > the relationship between land use decisions and the environment  > the effect environmental decisions have on other aspects of our lives  > local concerns, attitudes and needs Concern: Supervisors must be concerned about: > our environment and natural resources  > maintaining and improving water quality  > protecting our soil Leadership: Supervisors must be willing to take an active leadership role in the community. This can involve:  > setting local conservation priorities > educating friends and neighbors about the environment > working with other local government units, state and federal agencies, and other elected officials  > setting a positive example > taking unpopular stands  > balancing economic needs with environmental concerns  > sacrificing short-term gains for long-term benefits