The Executive Committee of the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee (LMRCC) has accepted this policy as a minimum guideline for ethical conduct and full compliance with applicable state and federal laws, existing agreements between the organization and the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and other branches of state and federal government.

1. Faithfully abide by the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and policies of the LMRCC
2. Exercise reasonable care, good faith and due diligence in LMRCC affairs
3. Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information that may result in a perceived or actual conflict of interest
4. Fully disclose, at the earliest opportunity, information of fact that would have significance in Executive Committee decision-making
5. Remain accountable for prudent fiscal management to members, the Executive Committee, and nonprofit sector, and where applicable, to government and funding bodies
6. Maintain a professional level of courtesy, respect, and objectivity in all LMRCC activities
7. Strive to uphold those practices and assist other Executive Committee members in upholding the highest standards of conduct
8. Exercise the powers invested for the good of all members of the LMRCC rather than for his or her personal benefit, or that of the nonprofit they represent
9. Ensure the right of all members to appropriate and effective services without discrimination on the basis of geography, political, religious, or socio-economical characteristics of the state or region represented
10. Ensure the right of all members to appropriate and effective services without discrimination on the basis of the organization’s volunteer or staff make-up in respect to gender, sexual orientation, national origin, race, religion, age, political affiliation or disability, in accordance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements
11. Respect the confidentiality of sensitive information known due to Executive Committee service
12. Respect the diversity of opinions as expressed or acted upon by the LMRCC Executive Committee, committees and membership, and formally register dissent as appropriate
13. Promote collaboration, cooperation, and partnership among Executive Committee members

Purpose of Ethics Policy

The Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee’s (LMRCC) efforts to conserve the natural resources of the Lower Mississippi River ecosystem are supported by individuals, corporations and foundations through charitable contributions and volunteer effort; by state and federal government through contracts and grants; and by the general public through state and federal tax laws. Consequently the LMRCC Executive Committee is committed to:

1. maintaining a high level of public confidence in the organization
2. increasing support for its programs, and
3. observing and promoting the highest standards of ethical conduct in the performance of their responsibilities to the organization.

This Ethics Policy was established to ensure that the LMRCC will:

1. be aware of and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and grant conditions (this may include, but is not limited to, the following activities: complying with laws and regulations related to fundraising, licensing, financial accountability, human resources, lobbying and political advocacy, and taxation), and
2. periodically review the organization’s compliance with known existing legal, regulatory and financial reporting requirements and provide a summary of the results of the review to members of its Executive Committee.

Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against any manager, officer, member, or other person working on behalf of the LMRCC whose conduct violates the LMRCC Ethics Policy or applicable federal grant and procurement laws and regulations.

Reporting Violations

Violations of federal grant laws by any member of the LMRCC, the Compliance Agreement that exists between the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and LMRCC, or the LMRCC Ethics Policy can be reported to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency as follows:

The Ethics Officer (listed below) is available to any LMRCC Executive Committee member or employee for consultation regarding questions that may arise regarding responsibilities associated with their positions, mandatory reporting of alleged violations of law, regulation, or company code by employees, and confidentiality policies. Violations of federal grant laws by any member of the LMRCC, the Compliance Agreement that exists between the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and LMRCC, or the LMRCC Ethics Policy can be reported to the LMRCC Ethics Officer as follows: