Conservation districts developed from the Soil Conservation Service, implemented in the 1930's, to help solve the problems of erosion and the devastating results that gave rise to the Dust Bowl.  By teaching the public about better farm related planting practices, conservation saved our precious top soil and water resources, and placed a focus on preserving the soil, instead of using it to its own detriment. 

Soil conservation districts are now designated by county boundaries to better form a localized effort to meet the local needs of the area. Oconee District was the very first district in the nation to have a conservation farm plan written. This took place in 1938, on the farm of Mrs. Ploma M. Adams; and it included 330 acres, west of the City of Seneca, SC. That farm has since been lost to development, because, at that time, no thought was put forth to protect special places from development, after the original owners passed away. We now have conservation easements that will allow a landowner to make decisions about how their property will be used into perpetuity. 

The Oconee Soil and Water Conservation District has one of the best easement programs in the state to help property owners preserve their property, in its existing condition; and it has preserved over 2,700 acres of prime South Carolina farm land and forest land. We will continue to promote the wise use and preservation of natural resources through this and other programs.