(1) Any 10% of the qualified electors within the limits of the territory proposed to be organized into a district may file a petition with the department asking that the department approve the organization of a conservation district to function in the territory described in the petition.
(2) The petition must set forth:
(a) the proposed name of the district;
(b) that there is need in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare for a conservation district to function in the territory described in the petition;
(c) a description of the territory proposed to be organized as a district, which description may not be required to be given by metes and bounds or by legal subdivisions but is sufficient if generally accurate;
(d) a request that:
(i) the department define the boundaries for the district;
(ii) a referendum be held within the territory defined on the question of the creation of a conservation district in the territory; and
(iii) the department determine that a district be created.
(3) Where more than one petition is filed covering parts of the same territory, the department may consolidate all or any part of the petitions.