In The Beginning —Public Law 46 was passed by Congress: Established soil and water conservation and wise land use as a national policy Created the USDA—Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 1937—President Franklin Roosevelt wrote all Governors recommending each state adopt legislation forming conservation districts, and a state agency to provide coordination, guidance, professional, technical and financial assistance to districts. Governor Olin D. Johnston signed the SC Conservation District Law on April 17, 1937.

Basic Agreements with Districts These agreements establish the working relationship between the United States Secretary of Agriculture, State of South Carolina, SC Department of Natural Resources and each conservation district in South Carolina.

Agreements at a Glance Framework for cooperation with USDA Mutual Agreement Signed by: US Secretary of Agriculture Governor Each Conservation District Framework for state cooperation Cooperative Working Agreement Signed by: NRCS DNR Each Conservation District

Hand in Hand... PLANNING EDUCATION & PUBLIC INFORMATION DEMONSTRATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE COST SHARING FARM BILL IMPLEMENTATION URBAN ASSISTANCE AWARDS

Conservation Districts Man Working in Harmony with Nature

From the mountains... Caesar’s Head, SC Photo by Trevor Zion Bauknight

... to the sea Pawleys’ Island Sunrise

Legislative Declaration of Purpose “All lands of the State are among the basic assets of the State and the preservation of these lands is necessary to promote the health, safety and general welfare of its people...” “It is further declared to be the policy of the General Assembly to provide for the conservation of the soil and water resources of this State…”

Conservation Districts 46 Conservation Districts in SC 230 Commissioners: 138 Elected in General Election and 92 appointed by the DNR Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law § , et. Seq.

Function of Conservation Districts 8.2 million acres under a conservation plan Coordinate conservation planning on public lands Develop comprehensive plans for the conservation of soil and water resources on private lands Jocassee Gorges Road Stabilization

Natural Resource Assessment Urban Assistance Conducts surveys and research relating to soil erosion, flood and sediment damage, and water conservation Ridge Road Project Spartanburg County Spartanburg County

Natural Resource Assessment Rural Assistance Conduct surveys, design, and other assistance to private landowners to improve soil and water quality.

37 Watershed Districts § , et seq. 185 Directors Taxing Authority 75 Dams 300 Miles of channels Flood Control, water supply, fish & wildlife habitat, sediment control and recreation Special Programs

Resource Conservation Make available machinery, fertilizer, seeds, seedlings, and other material and equipment for the conservation of soil and water resources

Educational Programs SC Envirothon SC Envirothon Carolina Coastal Adventure Carolina Coastal Adventure Governor’s Institute for Governor’s Institute for Natural Resource Natural Resource Conservation Conservation

Dry Hydrants 2500 Dry hydrants installed 2500 Dry hydrants installed Statewide savings on insurance premiums and property loss approximately $50 million/year Statewide savings on insurance premiums and property loss approximately $50 million/year Reaches 300,000 people Reaches 300,000 people 3,000 businesses benefit 3,000 businesses benefit

Stormwater Management County Stormwater Management ProgramsCounty Stormwater Management Programs managed by: - Clarendon Conservation District - Greenville Conservation District - Sumter Conservation District In addition numerous Districts provide input on stormwater plans

Take Home Message The private sector is willing to implement best management practices (BMP’s) in a cooperative, non-regulatory framework. State Funded Cost Share Program $690,000 instate funds given to Districts Installed BMP’s worth $2,326,000 Participation is solely voluntary The voluntary approach by the Districts has been successful. State government has opportunities to have more input in natural resource management through the 46 Conservation Districts.

RESOURCE The RESOURCE Who Benefits The State The Economy and most importantly,

Thanks to… Pickens Soil & Water Conservation District Greenville Soil & Water Conservation District USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service –Dennis Bauknight, District Conservationist –Ross Stewart, Resource Conservationist, Pickens S.C. Department of Natural Resources: Land, Water & Conservation Division, Von Snelgrove, Division Chief