Soil & Water Conservation

Edgecombe SWCD Under NC General Statue 139, soil and water conservation districts are organized as governmental subdivisions of the state, as well as independent political units. Districts work closely with county, state and federal governments and both public and private organizations in a non-regulatory capacity to carry out a comprehensive conservation program that protects and improves the county's natural resources while assisting private landowners in using conservation practices. This partnership has been the backbone of highly successful efforts over the past 75 years to address serious problems across the state including soil erosion, flood damage and water quality problems.

Purpose & Function

District law provides authority to districts to meet the needs of landowners and citizens in several ways.

  • Deliver state programs administered by the division, including: the Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP), the Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP), Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).
  • Deliver federal Farm Bill conservation programs involving water quality practices, farmland protection, wetlands restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement.
  • Assist communities in many areas of natural resource management such as erosion and sediment control, source water protection, stormwater management, floodplain management and flood control, water use efficiency, stream restoration, open spaces and small-plot forestry management.
  • Respond to natural disasters by helping local landowners and state and local governments with clean-up efforts and restoration including cropland and drainage system cleanup, repair of conservation best management practices, livestock mortality issues and waste management systems.
  • Respond to projects of local interest such as conservation easements, environmental education centers, parks and demonstration farms.

Governance

Each district is governed by a five-member board of supervisors. Three supervisors are elected on the general ballot as non-partisan candidates during the regular election of county officers, and two are appointed by the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission upon recommendation of the local district board of supervisors.  All supervisors serve four-year terms and are the key to the success of their local district.

Scope of Work

The Edgecombe SWCD board of supervisors meets monthly to establish local soil and water conservation priorities based on the needs of the district. The Edgecombe SWCD works  to address these priorities through the installation and implementation of best management practices that protect and improve the natural resources within the district. The work is accomplished by partnering with local, state and federal agencies; businesses; and non-profit organizations for technical and financial assistance. The board is also responsible for reviewing and approving district contracts for ACSP, AgWRAP and CCAP. The Division of Soil and Water Conservation administers ACSP, AgWRAP and CCAP, and holds each local board of supervisors accountable to these state programs.

Funding

Local districts receive funding from federal, state and local governments and independent fund-raising efforts. Funding sources include:

  • Local - Edgecombe SWCD receives funding from the county government that may include appropriations that fund office space, personnel and equipment, as well as specific conservation programs and projects.
  • State - North Carolina provides technical and administrative assistance and some equipment through the Division of Soil and Water Conservation. Financial assistance is also provided by the state and administered by the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission with staff assistance from the division. Funding is available through:
    • matching funds to districts
    • Agriculture Cost Share Program
    • Community Conservation Assistance Program
    • grants
    • special project funds
  • Federal - the Natural Resource Conservation Service provides personnel, technical assistance and equipment in support of district conservation programs, and may also provide financial assistance through federally initiated conservation programs implemented through local districts.
  • Independent Fund-Raising - Edgecombe SWCD also raises money through grant-writing and renting equipment such as no-till drills.

Note: all funds received by a district are public monies. As a governmental body, each district must properly administer and account for all funds.

Contact Us

Scott Kiser
Director

Location
201 Saint Andrew St
Suite 255
Tarboro, NC 27886

Phone: (252) 823-8187 ext .3

Hours
8am - 5pm
Monday-Friday