N.Y. Soil & Water Conservation Districts Law § 5: Creation of soil and water conservation districts

§ 5. Creation of soil and water conservation districts. (1) When the

board of supervisors of any county determines that conservation of soil

and water resources and control and prevention of soil erosion and

prevention of floodwater and sediment damages are problems of public

concern in the county, and further determines that a substantial

proportion of the rural land occupiers of the county favors such a

resolution, the said board of supervisors, by a resolution adopted at

any regular or special meeting of the board, may declare the county to

be a soil and water conservation district for the purpose of

effectuating the legislative policy announced in section two, providing

written notice of intention to act on such resolution, together with the

basis for action, is provided by the county board to the state soil and

water conservation committee at least thirty days before action is taken

on such resolution. These determinations may be made through hearings,

petitions or referenda.

(2) In any suit, action, or proceeding involving the validity or

enforcement of, or relating to, any contract, proceeding, or action of

the district, the district shall be deemed to have been established in

accordance with the provisions of this article upon proof of the

adoption of the resolution of the county board declaring the county to

be a soil and water conservation district. A copy of such resolution

duly certified by the clerk of the board shall be admissible in evidence

in any such suit, action or proceeding and shall be proof of the filing

and contents thereof.

(3) Any soil conservation district heretofore created or existing

shall be deemed to be continued for all purposes and shall hereafter be

designated as a soil and water conservation district.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the mayor of

the city of New York shall have the authority to establish a soil and

water conservation district encompassing the five counties of the city.