Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Oconee Soil and Water Conservation District is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the natural resources of Oconee County and all of South Carolina. ​Our main mission is to teach about the wise use of our natural resources.  We are proud to step forward and make a difference in the conservation of our area and beyond. ​Our office offers many programs that can be of benefit to farmers, woodlot and forest owners, conservation stewards, nature enthusiasts, home gardeners and more.

    • Kim Alexander, Board Chairman

    • Robert C. Winchester, Vice-Chairman

    • Carol Hendrix, Secretary/Treasurer

    • Lee Keese, Commissioner

    • Trent Smith, Commissioner

    • Emily Poteat, District Manager

  • We are a conservation district that monitors and looks over eight land dams and 26 conservation easements.

    We also do educational outreach on conserving land and water to children K - 12 through different events and opportunities. Each year, we offer a scholarship to a graduating Oconee County high school senior who has expressed interest in an agriculture or related field. We also host an annual Arts and Essay contest revolving around a conservation theme, in which the winners are recognized at the annual Celebration of Agriculture Event.

    We host an annual Celebration of Agriculture event that celebrates our community, the people who make Oconee County such a special place, and the businesses and organizations that continue to show up and support one another Members of the community are welcome as the event is free to attend with RSVP as well as sponsors.

  • Please contact our No-Till Drill Coordinator, Pat Williams.

    We offer two different No-Till Drills: the Haybuster as well as the Land Pride for rent. Both require a 45 horsepower tractor to run, and hydraulic hook-ups are NECESSARY for the drill to properly run.

    There are available for ALL Oconee residents and farmers as well as non-residents.

    Our rates are:

    • $100 Deposit (goes towards the final total)

    • OSWCD/SCCA Affiliate: $10.00/acre

    • Oconee Resident: $14.00/acre

    • Non-Resident: $16.00/acre

    Renters are required to pick up the drills from the previous renter. It is recommended that a 250 series (3/4 ton) truck or larger is used for transportation. A Reese receiver hitch is needed - a ball hitch cannot be used.

  • No, we are completely separate entities. If you are looking for the Seneca, Westminster, West Union, or Walhalla water departments, this is not the business, please search for your respective party.

  • We are currently not doing any membership or membership tiers. We have in the past, but that is not on our radar at the moment. Keep an eye out in the future, as this may change.

  • This scholarship is provided in memory of George C. Grobusky and seeks to continue his legacy of working to protect which is precious in our natural world.

    In order to be eligible, you must:

    • Be an Oconee County student,

    • Declare for a Natural Resources or related major,

    • Complete the application,

    • Complete a 500-word essay, and

    • Have two letters of recommendation.

    More details on where to apply will be released once the applications are live.

  • More details to come.