{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/10.1-539.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/10.1-539.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/10.1-539.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/10.1-539.html"}],"law_id":346042,"edition_id":2,"section_id":346042,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-539","catch_line":"Surveys and dissemination of information","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 21-54; 1956, c. 654; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.","full_text":"Districts are authorized to (i) conduct surveys, investigations, and research relating to soil erosion and floodwater and sediment damages, and to agricultural and nonagricultural phases of the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water, and the preventive and control measures and works of improvement needed; (ii) publish the results of such surveys, investigations, or research; and (iii) disseminate information concerning preventive and control measures and works of improvement. However, in order to avoid duplication of research activities, no district shall initiate any research program except in cooperation with the government of the Commonwealth or the United States.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1290123,"text":"Districts are authorized to (i) conduct surveys, investigations, and research relating to soil erosion and floodwater and sediment damages, and to agricultural and nonagricultural phases of the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water, and the preventive and control measures and works of improvement needed; (ii) publish the results of such surveys, investigations, or research; and (iii) disseminate information concerning preventive and control measures and works of improvement. However, in order to avoid duplication of research activities, no district shall initiate any research program except in cooperation with the government of the Commonwealth or the United States.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":49689,"edition_id":2,"name":"Soil and Water Conservation Districts","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":3,"parent_id":49686,"metadata":{"child_laws":58,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:13:28","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:48","permalink":{"id":1371021,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49689,"identifier":"3","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3","url":"\/10.1\/I\/5\/3\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49686,"edition_id":2,"name":"Soil and Water Conservation","identifier":"5","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":7,"parent_id":49585,"metadata":{"child_laws":69,"child_structures":6},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:13:26","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:47","permalink":{"id":1370983,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49686,"identifier":"5","token":"10.1\/I\/5","url":"\/10.1\/I\/5\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49585,"edition_id":2,"name":"Activities Administered by the Department of Conservation and Recreation","identifier":"I","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":49584,"metadata":{"child_laws":357,"child_structures":44},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:11:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:44","permalink":{"id":1370317,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49585,"identifier":"I","token":"10.1\/I","url":"\/10.1\/I\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":49584,"edition_id":2,"name":"Conservation","identifier":"10.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":38,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":886,"child_structures":125},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:11:52","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:28:44","permalink":{"id":1370315,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":49584,"identifier":"10.1","token":"10.1","url":"\/10.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":346007,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-506","catch_line":"Power to create new districts and to relocate or define district boundaries; composition of districts","url":"\/10.1-506\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-506","metadata":false},{"id":346008,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-507","catch_line":"Petitions filed with the Board","url":"\/10.1-507\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-507","metadata":false},{"id":346009,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-508","catch_line":"Contents and form of petition","url":"\/10.1-508\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-508","metadata":false},{"id":346010,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-509","catch_line":"Disapproval of petition","url":"\/10.1-509\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-509","metadata":false},{"id":346011,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-510","catch_line":"Petition approved; Board to give notice of hearing","url":"\/10.1-510\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-510","metadata":false},{"id":346012,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-511","catch_line":"Adjournment of hearing when additional territory appears desirable","url":"\/10.1-511\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-511","metadata":false},{"id":346013,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-512","catch_line":"Determination of need for district","url":"\/10.1-512\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-512","metadata":false},{"id":346014,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-513","catch_line":"Determination that district not needed","url":"\/10.1-513\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-513","metadata":false},{"id":346015,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-514","catch_line":"Determination of feasibility of operation","url":"\/10.1-514\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-514","metadata":false},{"id":346016,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-515","catch_line":"Composition of governing body","url":"\/10.1-515\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-515","metadata":false},{"id":346017,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-516","catch_line":"Status of district directors in event of transfer, merger, or division of districts","url":"\/10.1-516\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-516","metadata":false},{"id":346018,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-517","catch_line":"Application and statement to the Secretary of the Commonwealth","url":"\/10.1-517\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-517","metadata":false},{"id":346020,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-518","catch_line":"Action of Secretary on the application and statement; change of name of district","url":"\/10.1-518\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-518","metadata":false},{"id":346019,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-518.1","catch_line":"Secretary to send copies of certificates to State Board of Elections","url":"\/10.1-518.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-518.1","metadata":false},{"id":346021,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-519","catch_line":"Renewal of petition after disapproval or denial","url":"\/10.1-519\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-519","metadata":false},{"id":346022,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-520","catch_line":"Contracts to remain in force; succession to rights and obligations","url":"\/10.1-520\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-520","metadata":false},{"id":346023,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-521","catch_line":"Determination of status of district boundaries upon annexation or consolidation","url":"\/10.1-521\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-521","metadata":false},{"id":346024,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-522","catch_line":"Certificate of Secretary of Commonwealth as evidence","url":"\/10.1-522\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-522","metadata":false},{"id":346025,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-523","catch_line":"Nominating petitions; posting of notice","url":"\/10.1-523\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-523","metadata":false},{"id":346026,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-524","catch_line":"Names of nominees furnished electoral board; how ballots printed, etc","url":"\/10.1-524\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-524","metadata":false},{"id":346027,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-525","catch_line":"Canvassing returns","url":"\/10.1-525\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-525","metadata":false},{"id":346028,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-526","catch_line":"Persons eligible to vote","url":"\/10.1-526\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-526","metadata":false},{"id":346029,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-527","catch_line":"Determination of candidates elected","url":"\/10.1-527\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-527","metadata":false},{"id":346030,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-528","catch_line":"Expenses and publication of results","url":"\/10.1-528\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-528","metadata":false},{"id":346032,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-529","catch_line":"District directors constitute governing body; qualifications","url":"\/10.1-529\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-529","metadata":false},{"id":346031,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-529.1","catch_line":"Duties of district directors","url":"\/10.1-529.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-529.1","metadata":false},{"id":346033,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-530","catch_line":"Designation of chairman; terms of office; filling vacancies","url":"\/10.1-530\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-530","metadata":false},{"id":346034,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-531","catch_line":"Quorum and expenses","url":"\/10.1-531\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-531","metadata":false},{"id":346035,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-532","catch_line":"Employment of officers, agents and employees","url":"\/10.1-532\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-532","metadata":false},{"id":346036,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-533","catch_line":"Delegation of powers","url":"\/10.1-533\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-533","metadata":false},{"id":346037,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-534","catch_line":"Information furnished Board","url":"\/10.1-534\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-534","metadata":false},{"id":346038,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-535","catch_line":"Bonds of officers and employees; records and accounts","url":"\/10.1-535\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-535","metadata":false},{"id":346039,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-536","catch_line":"Removal from office","url":"\/10.1-536\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-536","metadata":false},{"id":346040,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-537","catch_line":"Representatives of governing bodies to be invited to consult with directors","url":"\/10.1-537\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-537","metadata":false},{"id":346041,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-538","catch_line":"District is political subdivision","url":"\/10.1-538\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-538","metadata":false},{"id":346042,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-539","catch_line":"Surveys and dissemination of information","url":"\/10.1-539\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-539","metadata":false},{"id":346043,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-540","catch_line":"Demonstrational projects","url":"\/10.1-540\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-540","metadata":false},{"id":346044,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-541","catch_line":"Preventive and control measures","url":"\/10.1-541\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-541","metadata":false},{"id":346045,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-542","catch_line":"Financial aid to agencies and occupiers","url":"\/10.1-542\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-542","metadata":false},{"id":346046,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-543","catch_line":"Acquisition, improvement and disposition of property","url":"\/10.1-543\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-543","metadata":false},{"id":346047,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-544","catch_line":"Making material and equipment available","url":"\/10.1-544\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-544","metadata":false},{"id":346048,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-545","catch_line":"Construction, improvement, operation and maintenance of structures","url":"\/10.1-545\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-545","metadata":false},{"id":346050,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-546","catch_line":"Development of programs and plans","url":"\/10.1-546\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-546","metadata":false},{"id":346049,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-546.1","catch_line":"Delivery of Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share Program","url":"\/10.1-546.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-546.1","metadata":false},{"id":346051,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-547","catch_line":"Acquisition and administration of projects; acting as agent for United States, etc.; acceptance of gifts","url":"\/10.1-547\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-547","metadata":false},{"id":346052,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-548","catch_line":"Contracts; rules","url":"\/10.1-548\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-548","metadata":false},{"id":346054,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-549","catch_line":"Cooperation between districts","url":"\/10.1-549\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-549","metadata":false},{"id":346053,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-549.1","catch_line":"Virginia Envirothon","url":"\/10.1-549.1\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-549.1","metadata":false},{"id":346055,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-550","catch_line":"State agencies to cooperate","url":"\/10.1-550\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-550","metadata":false},{"id":346056,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-551","catch_line":"Conditions for extension of benefits","url":"\/10.1-551\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-551","metadata":false},{"id":346057,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-552","catch_line":"Renting machinery and equipment","url":"\/10.1-552\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-552","metadata":false},{"id":346058,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-553","catch_line":"Petition by landowners","url":"\/10.1-553\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-553","metadata":false},{"id":346059,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-554","catch_line":"Hearings","url":"\/10.1-554\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-554","metadata":false},{"id":346060,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-555","catch_line":"Referendum","url":"\/10.1-555\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-555","metadata":false},{"id":346061,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-556","catch_line":"Determination of Board","url":"\/10.1-556\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-556","metadata":false},{"id":346062,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-557","catch_line":"Duty of directors after certification of Board","url":"\/10.1-557\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-557","metadata":false},{"id":346063,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-558","catch_line":"Effect of issuance of certificate of dissolution","url":"\/10.1-558\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-558","metadata":false},{"id":346065,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-559","catch_line":"Petitions limited to once in five years","url":"\/10.1-559\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-559","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":346041,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-538","catch_line":"District is political subdivision","url":"\/10.1-538\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-538","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":346043,"structure_id":49689,"section_number":"10.1-540","catch_line":"Demonstrational projects","url":"\/10.1-540\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-540","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/10.1-539\/","history_text":"<p>The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 3 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1956, chapter 654; in 1970, chapter 480; in 1988, chapter 891.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1371163,"object_type":"law","relational_id":346042,"identifier":"10.1-539","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-539","url":"\/10.1-539\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/10.1-539\/","token":"10.1\/I\/5\/3\/10.1-539","dublin_core":{"Title":"Surveys and dissemination of information","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 10.1-539","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p><span class=\"dictionary\">Districts<\/span> are authorized to (i) conduct surveys, investigations, and research relating to soil erosion and floodwater and sediment <span class=\"dictionary\">damages<\/span>, and to agricultural and nonagricultural phases of the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water, and the preventive and control measures and works of improvement needed; (ii) publish the results of such surveys, investigations, or research; and (iii) disseminate information concerning preventive and control measures and works of improvement. However, in <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> to avoid duplication of research activities, no <span class=\"dictionary\">district<\/span> shall initiate any research program except in cooperation with the <span class=\"dictionary\">government<\/span> of the Commonwealth or the United States.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSURVEYS AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION (\u00a7 10.1-539)\n\nDistricts are authorized to (i) conduct surveys, investigations, and research\nrelating to soil erosion and floodwater and sediment damages, and to\nagricultural and nonagricultural phases of the conservation, development,\nutilization, and disposal of water, and the preventive and control measures and\nworks of improvement needed; (ii) publish the results of such surveys,\ninvestigations, or research; and (iii) disseminate information concerning\npreventive and control measures and works of improvement. However, in order to\navoid duplication of research activities, no district shall initiate any\nresearch program except in cooperation with the government of the Commonwealth\nor the United States.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 21-54; 1956, c. 654; 1970, c. 480; 1988, c. 891.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}