The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District has two upcoming district commissioner vacancies which will be filled by appointment. Interested candidates should submit a Commissioner Application Form to soilandwater@richlandcountysc.gov by February 9, 2024.
Conservation district commissioners are non-salaried public officials who provide leadership in developing and implementing programs to address local conservation needs. Candidates must be registered voters in the county in which they seek office. Experience and interest in natural resource conservation, agriculture, soil science, forestry, wildlife management, water resources management, environmental stewardship, outdoor recreation, environmental education, planning, and/or related fields is recommended.
Commissioners are expected to participate in monthly meetings of the conservation district, and to provide leadership, guidance, and support for district programs and initiatives. Information about RSWCD’s mission, goals, and programs can be found online at www.richlandcountysc.gov/rswcd.
Conservation districts were created by state laws all across the nation in the late 1930s and early 1940s in response to the Dust Bowl. South Carolina’s Conservation Districts Law established local conservation districts in 1937. Today, South Carolina’s conservation district boundaries are the same as county boundaries, and each conservation district is managed by a five-member board of commissioners.
Each year, South Carolina’s conservation district commissioners collectively volunteer thousands of hours promoting soil and water conservation practices in urban and rural areas, combating erosion and stormwater problems, and promoting conservation education.
Through a partnership with the federal and state agencies, technical, administrative and financial assistance is provided though conservation districts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (federal) and the S. C. Department of Natural Resources (state).
For more information, contact the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District at (803) 576-2080 or soilandwater@richlandcountysc.gov.
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Conservation districts are political subdivisions of state government under the local direction of five-member boards of commissioners. The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District promotes the wise use and care of natural resources--with a focus on soil and water--for long-term sustainability in a changing environment.
Contact
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District
2020 Hampton Street, Room 3063A
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone (803) 576-2084
Fax (803) 576-2088
E-mail soilandwater@richlandcountysc.gov
Facebook www.facebook.com/rswcd
Instagram www.instagram.com/richland_swcd/