How South Carolina Conservation Districts Work
South Carolina's conservation districts, formally called Soil and Water Conservation Districts, are local units of state government that help landowners and producers protect soil, water, farmland, woodland, wildlife and wetlands. They are run by volunteer commissioners, supported by state and federal staff, and are often the first stop for equipment rentals, cost share information and youth conservation programs. If you farm, graze cattle, manage timber or own acreage in South Carolina, your county district is worth knowing. The facts below come from the state's Conservation Districts Handbook (last edited January 2025), its 2025 annual report and a 2026 election memo.
46 Districts, One Per County
There are 46 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in South Carolina, divided along county lines, so your county tells you your district. They were authorized by the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law, Title 48, Chapter 9 of the state code, signed April 17, 1937, and their stated purpose is promoting the wise use of soil and water through locally led conservation. The first Soil Conservation Plan in America was implemented in Oconee County in 1938, according to the handbook.
The Conservation Partnership
Each district works inside what the state calls the SC Conservation Partnership:
- Local districts: set local priorities and hold public meetings.
- SCDNR Conservation Districts: the state program inside the Department of Natural Resources Land, Water and Conservation Division, which supports districts with coordinators, training and funding applications.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS): the federal partner that delivers Farm Bill conservation programs.
- South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts: the unified voice for the districts.
The annual report says conservation districts helped bring more than $51.7 million in Farm Bill program funding to South Carolina private land in federal fiscal year 2025, affecting nearly 206,090 acres.
The Board of Commissioners
Each district is governed by a board of five nonpartisan commissioners. Two are appointed by the SCDNR Board and three are elected in the general election, and all serve four-year terms. Commissioners are volunteers. Their duties include identifying local conservation needs, writing annual and long-range plans, setting the budget and overseeing any district employees. Boards meet monthly, and three commissioners make a quorum. Meetings follow the state Freedom of Information Act, which means they are open to the public with the time, place and purpose posted.
How Commissioners Are Elected
An April 2026 memo from the state program lays out the process for this year's election:
- The election is non-partisan and is run by the county board of voter registration and elections as part of the general election, held November 3, 2026.
- Two seats on each district board were on the ballot, and winners take office February 1, 2027 for a term through January 31, 2031.
- Candidates must be registered voters in the county and file a nominating petition with 100 voter signatures, or 1 percent of voters, whichever is lesser. The 2026 deadline was noon on July 15.
- Candidates must file a Statement of Economic Interests and a campaign disclosure with the State Ethics Commission.
Appointed seats are advertised publicly when they come open, so contact your district office if you want to serve in a future cycle.
What Districts Offer Landowners
- Equipment rentals: districts commonly offer no-till drills, prescribed burn trailers, erosion control filter fabric, hog traps and cover crop crimpers. The annual report says rental equipment and related programs affected more than 11,600 acres statewide.
- Local Work Group meetings: an annual meeting where producers and landowners voice natural resource concerns. The concerns raised are used to prioritize cost share dollars and shape local programs.
- Farm Bill help: districts assist with USDA NRCS programs such as EQIP.
- Workshops and field days: rain barrel workshops, rainfall simulators, prescribed fire demonstrations and invasive species education are all on the handbook's list of district activities.
Offerings vary from county to county, so call your district before you plan a project.
Watershed Districts
South Carolina also has 35 watershed districts that maintain 105 flood control structures and canals. They are overseen by the local soil and water district and can charge a tax millage to cover maintenance. The structures must be inspected by May of each year, according to the handbook.
How Districts Are Funded
District money comes from state appropriations, which districts apply for through an annual aid application, plus county appropriations, grants and cooperative agreements. For fiscal year 2026, partner funding made up 77 percent of district support and state funding 23 percent, and the report says every state dollar leveraged an average of $3.33 for conservation. Districts must complete an annual audit.
Youth Programs
The annual report says conservation district youth programs reached more than 31,000 students. The best known is the SC Envirothon, a one-day outdoor competition each spring for teams of five high school students, testing aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and a current issue. The first-place team represents South Carolina at the international NCF-Envirothon, and the top three teams win scholarships. The 2026-27 calendar lists the State Envirothon on April 16 at the Sandhill REC in Columbia. Districts also run poster, essay and photo contests.
Practical Tips
- Find your district page at dnr.sc.gov/conservation/districtsdnr, which has a page for each county; the Lancaster County page shows the format.
- Ask about rental equipment dates and fees before planting season.
- Bring a map or aerial photo when you talk about a stream, pond or erosion problem.
- Go to the Local Work Group meeting. It is how your concern gets counted.
- Teachers and 4-H leaders can ask about Envirothon training trunks and contests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many conservation districts does South Carolina have?
46, one for each county.
How many commissioners sit on a board?
Five: three elected and two appointed by the SCDNR Board, all serving four years.
Are commissioners paid?
The annual report describes them as voluntary.
How many signatures does a candidate need?
In 2026, 100 voter signatures or 1 percent of voters, whichever was lesser.
South Carolina Listings Covered by This Guide
- South Carolina Envirothon
State Envirothon natural resources competition at the Sandhill research center in Columbia on April 16, 2027.
Columbia, SC | Organizer: SC FFA / Clemson Extension Official event details - Abbeville Conservation District
Abbeville Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Abbeville County, working from 394 Highway 28 By-Pass in Abbeville. The district board meets every second Wednesday of the month, starting at 8:30 am, at the district office.
394 Highway 28 By-Pass, Abbeville, SC 29620 | (864) 459-5419 ext. 3 - Aiken Conservation District
Aiken Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Aiken County, working from 1555 Richland Avenue East, Suite 400 in Aiken. The district board meets every second Wednesday of the month, starting at 8:30 am, at the District Office in Aiken.
1555 Richland Avenue East, Suite 400, Aiken, SC 29801 | (803) 262-4470 - Allendale Conservation District
Allendale Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Allendale County, working from 398 Barnwell Highway, Room 113 in Allendale. The district board meets the third Thursday of every other month at 7:00 pm, at the District Office in Allendale.
398 Barnwell Highway, Room 113, Allendale, SC 29810 | (803) 584-4233 ext. 3 - Anderson Conservation District
Anderson Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Anderson County, working from 1521 Pearman Dairy Road in Anderson. The district board meets second Friday of month (excluding July & Dec.) starting at 8:30 am, at the District Office.
1521 Pearman Dairy Road, Anderson, SC 29625 | (864) 844-8215 - Bamberg Conservation District
Bamberg Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Bamberg County, working from 3828 Main Highway in Bamberg. The district board meets every first Monday of the month, starting at 6:00 pm, at the District Office in Bamberg.
3828 Main Highway, Bamberg, SC 29003 | (803) 245-4311 - Barnwell Conservation District
Barnwell Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Barnwell County, working from 100 Fuldner Road in Barnwell. The district board meets every third Monday of the month, starting at 7:00 pm, at the District Office in Barnwell.
100 Fuldner Road, Barnwell, SC 29812 | (803)259-7143 Ext. 3 - Beaufort Conservation District
Beaufort Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Beaufort County, working from 124 Lady's Island Drive in Beaufort. The district board meets every second Thursday of the month, starting at 5:00 pm.
124 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907 | (843) 255-7306 - Berkeley Conservation District
Berkeley Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Berkeley County, working from 223 East Main Street, Ste. B. in Moncks Corner. The district board meets every fourth Tuesday of the month at 11:00 AM.
223 East Main Street, Ste. B., Moncks Corner, SC 29461 | (843) 719-4146 - Calhoun Conservation District
Calhoun Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Calhoun County, working from 904 F.R. Huff Drive, Suite 104 in St. Matthews. The district board meets bi-monthly on the third Thursday, starting at 7:45 am, at the District Office in St. Matthews.
904 F.R. Huff Drive, Suite 104, St. Matthews, SC 29135 | (803) 874-3337 ext. 3 - Charleston Conservation District
Charleston Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Charleston County, working from 2070 Northbrook Blvd., Unit A-8B in Charleston. The district board meets every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 3:30 pm.
2070 Northbrook Blvd., Unit A-8B, Charleston, SC 29406 | (843) 727-4160 ext. 3 - Chester Conservation District
Chester Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Chester County, working from 744B Wilson Street in Chester. The district board meets every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 9:30 am, at the District Office in Chester.
744B Wilson Street, Chester, SC 29706 | (803) 581-1908 ext. 5007 - Chesterfield Conservation District
Chesterfield Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Chesterfield County, working from 800 East Blvd. in Chesterfield. The district board meets every fourth Monday of the month, starting at 5:00 pm, at the District Office in Chesterfield. Call District Office to check schedule.
800 East Blvd., Chesterfield, SC 29709 | (843) 623-2185 ext. 3 - Clarendon Conservation District
Clarendon Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Clarendon County, working from 13 West Rigby Street in Manning. The district board meets on the first Tuesday of every month, starting at 7:30 pm at the District Office in Manning.
13 West Rigby Street, Manning, SC 29102 | (803) 435-2612 ext. 3 - Colleton Conservation District
Colleton Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Colleton County, working from 531 Robertson Blvd., Suite B in Walterboro. The district board meets every fourth Tuesday of the month, starting at 7:00 pm, at the District Office in Walterboro.
531 Robertson Blvd., Suite B, Walterboro, SC 29488 | (843) 549-1821 ext. 3 - Darlington Conservation District
Darlington Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Darlington County, working from 213 Pearl Street in Darlington. The district board meets every fourth Monday of the month, starting at 7:00 pm, at 213 Pearl Street in Darlington.
213 Pearl Street, Darlington, SC 29532 | (843) 393-0483 ext. 3 - Dillon Conservation District
Dillon Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Dillon County, working from 1212 Commerce Drive in Dillon. The district board meets every second Tuesday of the month, starting at 6:30 am, at the District Office in Dillon, SC.
1212 Commerce Drive, Dillon, SC 29536 | (843) 774-5122 - Dorchester Conservation District
Dorchester Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Dorchester County, working from 5809 W. Jim Bilton Blvd. in St. George. The district board meets every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 7:00 pm, at the
5809 W. Jim Bilton Blvd., St. George, SC 29477 | (843) 563-3218, ext. 3 - Edgefield Conservation District
Edgefield Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Edgefield County, working from 304 Gray Street in Edgefield. The district board meets every first Wednesday of the month, starting at 7:00 pm, at the Triangle Restaurant in Johnston, SC.
304 Gray Street, Edgefield, SC 29824 | (803) 637-3220, ext. 3 - Fairfield Conservation District
Fairfield Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Fairfield County, working from 155 South Congress Street in Winnsboro. The district board meets every fourth Thursday of the month, starting at 8:00 am, at the District Office in Winnsboro.
155 South Congress Street, Winnsboro, SC 29180 | (803) 815-4831 - Florence Conservation District
Florence Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Florence County, working from 215 3rd Loop Road, Suite 400 in Florence. The district board meets every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 7:00 am, at the District Office in Florence.
215 3rd Loop Road, Suite 400, Florence, SC 29505 | (843) 669-9686 ext. 3 - Georgetown Conservation District
Georgetown Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Georgetown County, working from 1837 N. Fraser Street in Georgetown. The district board meets every third Monday of the month, starting at 11:00 am, at the District Office in Georgetown.
1837 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 | (843) 546-7808 ext. 3 - Greenville Conservation District
Greenville Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Greenville County, working from 301 University Ridge, S-4100 in Greenville. The district board meets every second Tuesday of the month, starting at 9:30 am, at the District Office in Greenville.
301 University Ridge, S-4100, Greenville, SC 29601 | (864) 467-4996 - Greenwood Conservation District
Greenwood Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Greenwood County, working from 115 Enterprise Court, Suite A-1 in Greenwood. The district board meets every second Tuesday of the month, starting at 8:30 am, at the Greenwood District Office at 115 Enterprise Court, Suite A-1,...
115 Enterprise Court, Suite A-1, Greenwood, SC 29649 | (864) 229-3004 ext. 3 - Hampton Conservation District
Hampton Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Hampton County, working from 915 Elm St West in Hampton. The district board meets every second Monday of the month, starting at 6:00 pm, at Lowcountry Seafood in Varnville, SC.
915 Elm St West, Hampton, SC 29924 | (803) 943-2586, ext 3 - Horry Conservation District
Horry Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Horry County, working from 1949 Industrial Park Road, Room 125 in Conway. The district board meets every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 6:30 am, at the Horry District office.
1949 Industrial Park Road, Room 125, Conway, SC 29526 | (843) 365-8732 ext 244 - Jasper Soil and Water Conservation District
Jasper Soil and Water Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Jasper County, working from 321 Bailey Lane in Ridgeland. The district board meets every second Wednesday of the month, starting at 8:00 am, at the District Office in Ridgeland, SC.
321 Bailey Lane, Ridgeland, SC 29936 | (843) 726-7611 - Kershaw Conservation District
Kershaw Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Kershaw County, working from 1126 Little Street in Camden. The district board meets every first Tuesday of the month, starting at 6:00 pm, at the District Office in Camden.
1126 Little Street, Camden, SC 29020 | (803) 432-4174 - Lancaster Conservation District
Lancaster Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Lancaster County, working from 1771 Highway 521 Bypass South in Lancaster. The district board meets every first Monday of the month, starting at 6:00 pm, at the District Office in Lancaster.
1771 Highway 521 Bypass South, Lancaster, SC 29720 | (803) 286-4455, extension 7501 - Laurens Conservation District
Laurens Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Laurens County, working from 104 Ashley Lane in Laurens. The district board meets every fourth Tuesday of the month, starting at 8:30 am, at the district office in Laurens.
104 Ashley Lane, Laurens, SC 29360 | (864) 984-6921 - Lee Conservation District
Lee Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Lee County, working from 129 Fairview Avenue in Bishopville. The district board meets every first Wednesday of the month, starting at 8:00 am, at the District Office at 129 Fairview Ave. in Bishopville, SC.
129 Fairview Avenue, Bishopville, SC 29010 | 803-484-5388 - Lexington Conservation District
Lexington Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Lexington County, working from 123 Park Road in Lexington. The district board meets every Third Tuesday of the month at 4:30 in the Lexington County Auxiliary Building (605 West Main Street, Lexington SC, 29072) Room 113.
123 Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072 | (803) 358-8684 - Marion Conservation District
Marion Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Marion County, working from 119 Palmetto Pointe Road, Suite A in Marion. The district board meets every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 11:30 am, at the District Office in Marion, SC.
119 Palmetto Pointe Road, Suite A, Marion, SC 29571 | (843) 423-1742 - Marlboro Conservation District
Marlboro Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Marlboro County, working from 210 Throop Street in Bennettsville. The district board meets every third Tuesday of the month, starting at 8:00 am, at the District Office in Bennettsville, SC.
210 Throop Street, Bennettsville, SC 29512 | (843) 479-4552, ext. 3 - McCormick Soil & Water Conservation District
McCormick Soil & Water Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for McCormick County, working from 610 S. Mine St. in McCormick. The district board meets every third Wednesday of the month (with the exception of July and December) starting at
610 S. Mine St., McCormick, SC 29835 | (864) 852-2594 - Newberry Conservation District
Newberry Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Newberry County, working from 719 Kendall Road in Newberry. The district board meets every second Tuesday of the month, starting at 7:00 pm, at the District Office in Newberry.
719 Kendall Road, Newberry, SC 29108 | (803) 276-1978 ext. 3 - Oconee Conservation District
Oconee Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Oconee County, working from 301 W. South Broad Street in Walhalla. The district board meets every first Thursday of the month, starting at 9:00 am, at the District Office in Oconee.
301 W. South Broad Street, Walhalla, SC 29691 | (864) 638-1002 - Orangeburg Conservation District
Orangeburg Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Orangeburg County, working from 1550 Henley Street, NE, Room 103 in Orangeburg. The district board meets every fourth Tuesday of the month, starting at 5:30 pm, at the District Office in Orangeburg, SC.
1550 Henley Street, NE, Room 103, Orangeburg, SC 29115 | (803) 534-2409, ext. 3 - Pickens Conservation District
Pickens Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Pickens County, working from 144 McDaniel Avenue in Pickens. The district board meets every second Wednesday of the month, starting at 8:45 am, at the District Office in Pickens.
144 McDaniel Avenue, Pickens, SC 29671 | (864) 878-6155 - Richland Conservation District
Richland Conservation District is the local soil and water conservation district for Richland County, working from 2020 Hampton Street, Room 3063A in Columbia. The district board meetings are typically held at 6pm on the second Monday of each month at the Lizard's Thicket on Garner's Ferry Road at 7938 Garners...
2020 Hampton Street, Room 3063A, Columbia, SC 29204 | (803) 576-2080
Plus 6 more. Find yours on your county's page in the South Carolina directory.
Guide checked Nov. 11, 2026. Rules and dates change; confirm with the organizer.