The King Conservation District, a natural resource agency that promotes re-sponsible land stewardship, is holding an election Tuesday, March 16, for an open seat on its five-member board.

Five candidates — Mary Embleton, Mara Heiman, Teri Herrera, Kirk Prindle and Max Prinsen — are running for the position. Statements by the candidates can be found on the district’s Web site, www.kingcd.org.

The Vashon Library will provide one of seven polling places throughout the county; it will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. All registered voters are eligible to cast ballots.

Ellen Kritzman, a member of the Vashon chapter of the League of Women Voters, said the little-publicized election offers up an opportunity to shape an organization that’s important on Vashon. The conservation district’s programs include a number of activities critical to rural areas, she said.

Recently, for instance, it helped to protect a portion of Judd Creek by providing funds to put fencing around it. The group has also worked to protect wetlands on Vashon, helped horse owners manage manure and held workshops for shoreline owners, she said.

The King Conservation District is funded largely by a per-parcel assessment fee. Most cities and all of unincorporated King County belong to the district.