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Danon LawsonMEA, CPESC, CESSWI, CFM
Programs AdministratorGaston Soil and Water Conservation District
The Evolution of a Local Soil and Water Conservation District:
From Traditional Technical Assistance and Program Funding to Environmental Regulatory Enforcement
Early HistoryThe Father of Soil Conservation, Hugh Hammond Bennett, successfully promoted the passage of the Soil Conservation Act in April of 1935. This act formed the Soil Conservation Service under the USDA (today’s NRCS).
Seeing the magnitude of the job at hand, 3000 locally lead Conservation Districts were formed to help farmers with regional soil conservation efforts in varied watersheds based on the complex soil types, diverse vegetation, varying topography and local weather patterns. The first of these local Conservation Districts was established in 1937 in Bennett’s native North Carolina, in Anson and Union Counties. (Anson county was where Hugh Hammond Bennett grew up)
Where are Soil and Water Districts?
Soil and Water Districts come in all shapes and sizes based on a variety of components (eg. history, resource needs, staffing, etc.) Often a
district simply follows the county lines.
The Breakdown of North Carolina
In North Carolina we have 96 districts in the 100 counties. Since our state is really divided into 3 main areas, there are different resource challenges each district faces.
To illustrate these regions another way…
Current Programs Offered By NC Soil and Water Districts
• NC Agricultural Cost Share Program – Eligible for up to 90% cost share funding
• Community Conservation Assistance Program – Eligible for up to 75% cost share Funding
• Agricultural Water Resource Assistance Program (AgWRAP) – Our primary Water QUANTITY program
NC Districts
Like many districts we have different resource concerns throughout the state. This presentation will focus on only one of the districts (the one I am most familiar with)…
Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District
Early History of Gaston’s District
In response to Hugh Hammond Bennet’s call for locally lead soil and water conservation
programs, Gaston County became a district along with Lincoln and Mecklenburg Counties on
April 25, 1940 forming the Lower Catawba District
Early History of Gaston’s District
Moving forward to the early 1960’s, the Lower Catawba (and most other consolidated districts) had formed individual districts with the county
boundary as the district boundary.
A Bit About Gaston County
• Gaston County receives about 45 inches of rain per year. [Average for the US is 37 inches]
• Gaston County is primarily Cecil complex (or for those soil scientists in the room:
CECIL FINE , KAOLINITIC, THERMIC TYPIC KANHAPLUDULTS
[Basically with this complex, the B layer extends to about 50 inches past the first 8 inches and is erosive clay]
A Bit About Gaston CountyNote: These Ultisols are VERY erosive. Cecil soil is the most common soil type in the piedmont of NC, and is so common in the state that it is recognized as the state soil.
Reconnaissance Erosion Survey of NC – 1934; from Soil Conservation Service
Conservation History
While agriculture has not been the primary industry in Gaston county during the existence of soil and water conservation districts, it has
been an important influence to the local economy. [Even today it remains as a viable
economic factor ]
TOTA
L LA
ND
A
REA
IN 1
988
IN 2
012
IN 1
988
IN 2
012
IN 1
988
IN 2
012
IN 1
988
IN 2
012
AC OF FARMLAND AC OF CROP PRODUCTION NUMBER OF ANIMALS IN PRO-DUCTION
ECONOMIC DATA IN MILLIONS
227,856
103,000
37,561
15,600
11,216
14,000
2,212,000
$8.1
$22.01
GASTON COUNTY AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS COMPARISON BY YEAR
Evolution RequirementsThere are 3 general requirements that are needed for evolution to occur
1. Time
2. Adaptability
3. Opportunity / Conditions
A Bit About Gaston County
• In 2003 our office adopted a local erosion control ordinance/program enforcing erosion and sedimentation rules under the direct authority of the State.
• In 2006 our office adopted a locally enforced a Phase II Stormwater program dealing directly with the post construction BMPs within the county
Conservation in Gaston County (Present Day)
Currently the Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District has 8 Employees and 2 branches within one office.
1.) The Soil and Water Conservation District branch: this group is dedicated to providing funding to farmers, urban landowner and various community projects [ie. grant funded projects] and technical assistance to the general public. We also provide public education and outreach to each school and various community groups. Commonly called the “Carrot” End
2.) The Stormwater and Erosion Control Branch: This group is administered by Joseph Alm and is responsible for regulation of the local ordinances for erosion control and stormwater. This is more commonly called the “Stick” end
A Quick Rundown of The Benefits of Enforcing The Local Ordinance
• Becoming involved with and building relationships with builders, engineers and developers illustrating the importance of conservation
• Helping citizens resolve complaints with neighboring landowners
• Financial implications for the SWCD office, resulting in greater opportunities
What Does this mean for Our District?There is a consistent balance between enforcement and technical assistance. Often times those that we enforce come back and ask
for technical assistance. In the end, while this balance can be challenging, we feel that we are providing service that is at the core of why soil and water districts were originally founded.
.
Why is This Important to Me?
Each district was founded with the idea that soil and water are precious commodities that, if not properly managed, can be lost.
. If you are not already, consider becoming more involved with your local Soil and Water Districts, as the local programs and technical services provided at a local level are invaluable
Why is This Important to Me?
What services does your local Soil and Water District provide?
Does your Soil and Water District have the support of it’s local government and the public?
Are there currently opportunities for local districts to branch out?
Final Thought
In the realm of soil conservation and water quality, the Soil and Water Conservation District’s origins were based on working at a local level to make a difference. This is just one example of one district adapting to the needs of the local community.
Questions?
