How North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Districts Work
North Carolina has 96 soil and water conservation districts, local units of government that help landowners protect soil, water and farmland. According to the state district fact sheet, there are 95 single-county districts and one multi-county district in the northeast, and boundaries follow county lines. Districts are organized under Chapter 139 of the North Carolina General Statutes. They are non-regulatory, which means they offer voluntary, incentive-based help rather than enforcing rules.
A Little History
The state's district overview traces districts to the aftermath of the 1930s Dust Bowl. It credits Hugh Hammond Bennett, a native of Anson County, with raising awareness of soil erosion, and notes that the Brown Creek Soil and Water Conservation District in Anson County was the first district in the United States.
Who Runs a District
- Each district has a five-member board of supervisors serving four-year terms.
- Three supervisors are elected as non-partisan candidates on the general ballot during the regular county election.
- Two are appointed by the N.C. Soil and Water Conservation Commission, based on recommendations from the local board.
- The multi-county Albemarle district, which covers Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Pasquotank and Perquimans counties, has a 17-member board.
- Boards meet monthly, set local priorities and oversee work groups.
Above the districts sits the seven-member Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The Commission page says it oversees the state's voluntary, locally led conservation programs, sets rules and policy, can appoint and remove district supervisors, and determines cost share allocations to the 96 districts. The Division of Soil and Water Conservation serves as its staff.
What Districts Do
The district fact sheet lists several services:
- Bringing technical experts together with landowners to plan and install conservation practices
- Delivering voluntary programs on farm and non-farm land
- Education for all ages, including classroom presentations, field days, student competitions, Envirothon and landowner training
- Land conservation work, including owning land and holding and monitoring conservation easements
- Partnerships with nonprofits, land trusts, corporations and agencies
The overview adds that districts work on erosion and sediment control, stormwater, floodplain management, water use efficiency, stream restoration and small-plot forestry, and respond after natural disasters with cleanup and repair of cropland, drainage systems and waste systems.
Cost Share Programs
NC State Extension's cost share summary says the Division runs four programs through the 96 districts:
- Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP): improves water quality on agricultural land
- Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP): improves water quality from non-agricultural land
- Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP): improves water quality and enhances wildlife habitat
- Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP): improves agricultural water quantity and efficiency
The Agriculture Cost Share Program
The ACSP page describes a voluntary program that funds best management practices (BMPs) on working farmland to cut pollution from erosion, excess fertilizer, animal waste and improper chemical use. Landowners or renters who have operated a bona fide farm for more than three years can take part. Participants can be reimbursed up to 75 percent of a predetermined average cost for each BMP installed, and the participant pays the remaining 25 percent, which may be covered by existing materials and labor. Some practices have cost share or acreage limits.
To apply:
- Submit an application to your local district.
- Applications are ranked on the resource concerns identified in your county.
- The district helps develop a conservation plan, choose and design practices and get preliminary approval of a cost share contract.
- The Division gives final contract approval and processes payments.
The Extension summary lists example BMP categories such as agrichemical pollution prevention, critical area plantings, cropland conversion and field borders.
AgWRAP: Water Supply and Efficiency
AgWRAP is for operations that have run for more than one year, meet income qualifications and have a water storage or efficiency need. Reimbursement is 75 percent cost share up to an allotted cap. Example practices include agricultural water supply ponds, water supply wells and conservation irrigation conversions. Applicants work with the district on either a district application or a Regional Application, which is used for larger and more complex practices.
What Supervisors Do With Your Application
Under the Commission's supervisor duties, boards advertise program availability each year, review applications and choose which receive funding, approve each contract, spot check active contracts, certify that installed practices meet standards, and make sure cooperators follow maintenance agreements. Supervisors must avoid conflicts of interest and abstain from votes where they have a personal interest.
How Districts Are Funded
The district overview lists local money (county appropriations for space, staff and equipment), state money (matching funds and the cost share programs), and federal help, with the Natural Resources Conservation Service providing staff and technical assistance. Districts also raise their own funds through grants, tree sapling sales and equipment rental such as no-till drills.
Finding Your District
The state posts a district directory. Look up your county, then call or visit to ask about open application periods. The pages reviewed do not list a statewide application deadline, so ask your district when its next ranking cycle runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many soil and water conservation districts does North Carolina have?
96: 95 single-county districts and the multi-county Albemarle district.
Do districts regulate landowners?
No. The state describes them as non-regulatory, and cost share programs are voluntary.
Who can use ACSP?
Landowners or renters of an agricultural operation that has run for more than three years, where a water quality problem exists and the applicant will install a best management practice.
Is the supervisor seat elected?
Three of five seats are elected on the general ballot as non-partisan candidates. Two are appointed by the Commission.
North Carolina Listings Covered by This Guide
- Cumberland County Soil Management Day
Morning soil management session for growers at the Cumberland County Center, offering one hour of pesticide credit and a light breakfast. Held each year; the most recent date was March 5, 2026.
301 E Mountain Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28306 | Organizer: Cumberland County Center, N.C. Cooperative Extension Official event details - Alamance County Soil and Water Conservation District
Farmers in Alamance County turn to the Alamance County Soil and Water Conservation District for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC 27217, and the number is (336) 290-0380.
209 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, Burlington, NC 27217 | (336) 290-0380 - Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Camden office
The Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Camden office serves landowners in Camden County from Camden, NC. Phone (252) 338-1919 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
Camden, NC | (252) 338-1919 - Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Chowan office
Farmers in Chowan County turn to the Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Chowan office for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 730 North Granville Street, Suite B, Edenton, NC 27932, and the number is (252) 482-4127.
730 North Granville Street, Suite B, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-4127 - Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Currituck office
Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Currituck office: a local conservation office for Currituck County at 2795 Caratoke Highway, Currituck, NC 27929. Landowners call (252) 232-3360 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
2795 Caratoke Highway, Currituck, NC 27929 | (252) 232-3360 - Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Pasquotank office
Based at 1023 Highway US 17 South, Suite 5, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, the Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Pasquotank office works with Pasquotank County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (252) 338-6353.
1023 Highway US 17 South, Suite 5, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | (252) 338-6353 - Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Perquimans office
The Albemarle Soil and Water Conservation District, Perquimans office serves landowners in Perquimans County from 601 A Edenton Road Street, Hertford, NC 27944. Phone (252) 426-5545 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
601 A Edenton Road Street, Hertford, NC 27944 | (252) 426-5545 - Alexander County Soil and Water Conservation District
Farmers in Alexander County turn to the Alexander County Soil and Water Conservation District for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 151 West Main Avenue, Suite 3, Taylorsville, NC 28681, and the number is (828) 632-0638.
151 West Main Avenue, Suite 3, Taylorsville, NC 28681 | (828) 632-0638 - Alleghany County Soil and Water Conservation District
Alleghany County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Alleghany County at 90 South Main Street, Room 200, Sparta, NC 28675. Landowners call (336) 372-7777 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
90 South Main Street, Room 200, Sparta, NC 28675 | (336) 372-7777 - Avery County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Avery County Soil and Water Conservation District serves landowners in Avery County from 146 West B Street, Unit 3, Newland, NC 28657. Phone (828) 733-2291 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
146 West B Street, Unit 3, Newland, NC 28657 | (828) 733-2291 - Beaufort County Soil and Water Conservation District
Beaufort County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Beaufort County at 155C Airport Road, Washington, NC 27889. Landowners call (252) 946-4989 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
155C Airport Road, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 946-4989 - Bertie County Soil and Water Conservation District
Farmers in Bertie County turn to the Bertie County Soil and Water Conservation District for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 106 Dundee Street, Suite 211, Windsor, NC 27983, and the number is (252) 794-5305.
106 Dundee Street, Suite 211, Windsor, NC 27983 | (252) 794-5305 - Bladen County Soil and Water Conservation District
Bladen County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Bladen County at 450 Smith Circle, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Landowners call (910) 247-3457 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
450 Smith Circle, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 | (910) 247-3457 - Brown Creek Soil and Water Conservation District (Anson County)
Based at 1758 Morven Road, Wadesboro, NC 28170, the Brown Creek Soil and Water Conservation District (Anson County) works with Anson County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (704) 694-3516.
1758 Morven Road, Wadesboro, NC 28170 | (704) 694-3516 - Brunswick County Soil and Water Conservation District
Based at 10 Referendum Drive, Building F, Bolivia, NC 28422, the Brunswick County Soil and Water Conservation District works with Brunswick County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (910) 253-2830.
10 Referendum Drive, Building F, Bolivia, NC 28422 | (910) 253-2830 - Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Buncombe County Soil and Water Conservation District serves landowners in Buncombe County from 49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 101, Asheville, NC 28806. Phone (828) 250-4785 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
49 Mount Carmel Road, Suite 101, Asheville, NC 28806 | (828) 250-4785 - Burke County Soil and Water Conservation District
Farmers in Burke County turn to the Burke County Soil and Water Conservation District for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 130 Ammons Drive, Suite 3, Morganton, NC 28655, and the number is (828) 439-9727.
130 Ammons Drive, Suite 3, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 439-9727 - Cabarrus County Soil and Water Conservation District
Cabarrus County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Cabarrus County at 715 Cabarrus Avenue West, Room 301, Concord, NC 28027. Landowners call (704) 920-3300 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
715 Cabarrus Avenue West, Room 301, Concord, NC 28027 | (704) 920-3300 - Caldwell County Soil and Water Conservation District
Based at 120 Hospital Avenue NE, Suite 2, Lenoir, NC 28645, the Caldwell County Soil and Water Conservation District works with Caldwell County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (828) 758-1111.
120 Hospital Avenue NE, Suite 2, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 758-1111 - Carteret County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Carteret County Soil and Water Conservation District serves landowners in Carteret County from 303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557. Phone (252) 222-6360 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
303 College Circle, Morehead City, NC 28557 | (252) 222-6360 - Caswell County Soil and Water Conservation District
Farmers in Caswell County turn to the Caswell County Soil and Water Conservation District for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 126 Court Square, Yanceyville, NC 27379, and the number is (336) 694-4162.
126 Court Square, Yanceyville, NC 27379 | (336) 694-4162 - Catawba County Soil and Water Conservation District
Based at 1175 South Brady Avenue, Suite 302, Newton, NC 28658, the Catawba County Soil and Water Conservation District works with Catawba County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (828) 465-8950.
1175 South Brady Avenue, Suite 302, Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 465-8950 - Chatham County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Chatham County Soil and Water Conservation District serves landowners in Chatham County from 1192 US 64 W Business, Suite 200, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Phone (919) 542-8240 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
1192 US 64 W Business, Suite 200, Pittsboro, NC 27312 | (919) 542-8240 - Cherokee County Soil and Water Conservation District
Cherokee County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Cherokee County at 225 Valley River Avenue, Suite J, Murphy, NC 28906. Landowners call (828) 837-6417 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
225 Valley River Avenue, Suite J, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 837-6417 - Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District
Based at 25 Riverside Circle, Hayesville, NC 28904, the Clay County Soil and Water Conservation District works with Clay County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (828) 389-9764.
25 Riverside Circle, Hayesville, NC 28904 | (828) 389-9764 - Cleveland County Soil and Water Conservation District
Farmers in Cleveland County turn to the Cleveland County Soil and Water Conservation District for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 844 Wallace Grove Drive, Shelby, NC 28150, and the number is (704) 471-0235.
844 Wallace Grove Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 | (704) 471-0235 - Columbus County Soil and Water Conservation District
Columbus County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Columbus County at 45 Government Complex Road, Suite B, Whiteville, NC 28472. Landowners call (910) 642-2196 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
45 Government Complex Road, Suite B, Whiteville, NC 28472 | (910) 642-2196 - Craven County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Craven County Soil and Water Conservation District serves landowners in Craven County from 302 Industrial Drive, New Bern, NC 28562. Phone (252) 633-0397 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
302 Industrial Drive, New Bern, NC 28562 | (252) 633-0397 - Dare County Soil and Water Conservation District
Farmers in Dare County turn to the Dare County Soil and Water Conservation District for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954, and the number is (252) 475-5853.
954 Marshall C. Collins Drive, Manteo, NC 27954 | (252) 475-5853 - Davidson County Soil and Water Conservation District
Davidson County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Davidson County at 301 East Center Street, Lexington, NC 27292. Landowners call (336) 242-2075 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
301 East Center Street, Lexington, NC 27292 | (336) 242-2075 - Davie County Soil and Water Conservation District
Based at 277 Meroney Street, Suite 120, Mocksville, NC 27028, the Davie County Soil and Water Conservation District works with Davie County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (336) 751-5011.
277 Meroney Street, Suite 120, Mocksville, NC 27028 | (336) 751-5011 - Duplin County Soil and Water Conservation District
Based at 165 Agriculture Drive, Suite B, Kenansville, NC 28349, the Duplin County Soil and Water Conservation District works with Duplin County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (910) 335-3124.
165 Agriculture Drive, Suite B, Kenansville, NC 28349 | (910) 335-3124 - Edgecombe County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Edgecombe County Soil and Water Conservation District serves landowners in Edgecombe County from 201 St. Andrew Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. Phone (252) 823-8187 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
201 St. Andrew Street, Tarboro, NC 27886 | (252) 823-8187 - Fishing Creek Soil and Water Conservation District (Halifax County)
Farmers in Halifax County turn to the Fishing Creek Soil and Water Conservation District (Halifax County) for technical help with soil, water and cost-share practices; the office is at 359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC 27839, and the number is (252) 583-3481.
359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC 27839 | (252) 583-3481 - Forsyth County Soil and Water Conservation District
Forsyth County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Forsyth County at 1450 Fairchild Road, Room 106, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. Landowners call (336) 703-2840 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
1450 Fairchild Road, Room 106, Winston-Salem, NC 27105 | (336) 703-2840 - Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District
Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District: a local conservation office for Franklin County at 101-B South Bickett Boulevard, Louisburg, NC 27549. Landowners call (919) 496-3137 to ask about best management practices, stream protection and agricultural water quality assistance.
101-B South Bickett Boulevard, Louisburg, NC 27549 | (919) 496-3137 - Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District
Based at 1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas, NC 28034, the Gaston County Soil and Water Conservation District works with Gaston County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (704) 922-4181.
1303 Dallas-Cherryville Highway, Dallas, NC 28034 | (704) 922-4181 - Gates County Soil and Water Conservation District
Based at 104 New Road, Gatesville, NC 27938, the Gates County Soil and Water Conservation District works with Gates County producers on conservation planning and state cost-share projects. Reach the office at (252) 357-0290.
104 New Road, Gatesville, NC 27938 | (252) 357-0290 - Graham County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Graham County Soil and Water Conservation District serves landowners in Graham County from 45 South Main Street, Robbinsville, NC 28771. Phone (828) 479-9268 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
45 South Main Street, Robbinsville, NC 28771 | (828) 479-9268 - Granville County Soil and Water Conservation District
The Granville County Soil and Water Conservation District serves landowners in Granville County from 518 Lewis Street, Oxford, NC 27565. Phone (919) 693-4603 for cost-share programs, erosion control advice and conservation planning help.
518 Lewis Street, Oxford, NC 27565 | (919) 693-4603
Plus 57 more. Find yours on your county's page in the North Carolina directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.