1.  It is hereby declared, as a matter of legislative determination, that persons in local communities are best able to provide basic leadership and direction for the planning and accomplishment of the conservation and development of renewable natural resources through organization and operation of conservation districts.

2.  Recognizing the importance of locally led efforts for the conservation of renewable natural resources, the Legislature will strive to provide appropriations to conservation districts at a level comparable to the appropriations provided to similar districts in other western states.