The Thurston Conservation District was created by the voters in Thurston County in 1948 and includes all of Thurston County except for portions of the cities of Rainier, Yelm and Tenino. Like all other conservation districts in the state, the Thurston Conservation District is uniquely empowered by state law to tackle just about any problem related to the natural environment, including issues related to air quality, prevention of groundwater contamination, stream improvements for endangered salmon, dairy waste management, stream bank stabilization, irrigation water management, forestland improvements, and erosion control. Many districts also have a proactive outreach program to schools, such as the environmental education program - South Sound GREEN - sponsored by the Thurston Conservation District. The five-member District Board serves as the board of directors for the Thurston Conservation District, a governmental subdivision of the State of Washington. The Board sets objectives, policies and over-all District direction through long range and annual plans. Three of the five board members are elected at large with the district. The Washington State Conservation Commission appoints the other two board members.

All voters in the County will vote for the position in the General Election.