ROCKINGHAM — The month-long filing period for the Richmond County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors opens next week.
According to Elections Director Connie Kelly, filing opens at noon Monday, June 8 and closes at noon Monday, July 6.
There is a $5 filing fee.
The term is for four years.
The seat up for grabs is currently held by Jeff Joyner, who has served on the board for 20 years, according to Jackie McAuley, administrative assistant and education coordinator.
McCauley provided the following information about the district:
The Richmond Soil & Water Conservation District works in cooperation with the Division of Soil & Water Conservation and Soil & Water Conservation Commission to protect and improve soil and water resources throughout Richmond County.
North Carolina’s 96 Soil and Water District partnership with federal, state and local entities deliver state and federal conservation programs related to water quality practices, farmland protection, wetlands restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement. Districts assist with community conservation planning in natural resource management areas such as erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, flood control, water use efficiency, stream restoration, small-plot forestry management and restoration efforts after natural disasters. Districts also help implement conservation easements and respond to local projects, such as building environmental education centers.
Local conservation districts are connected to the North Carolina Agricultural and Consumer Services Division of Soil Conservation through North Carolina General Statue 139 and delivers its programs through the comprehensive district infrastructure through cost share programs with county-employed district technician positions to deliver state and federal conservation programs.
Districts partner with federal, state and local entities to deliver state and federal conservation programs related to water quality practices, farmland protection, wetlands restoration and wildlife habitat enhancement. Districts assist with community conservation planning in natural resource management areas such as erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, flood control, water use efficiency, stream restoration, small-plot forestry management and restoration efforts after natural disasters. Districts also help implement conservation easements and respond to local projects, such as building environmental education centers.
McAuley also provided information on the board’s responsibilities:
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.
Scope of Work
The board of supervisors meets monthly to establish local soil and water conservation priorities based on the needs of the district. The board chairs work groups 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 fundraising efforts. Funding sources include:
- Local – most districts receive funding from their county government that may include appropriations that fund office space, personnel, equipment, 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, and 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.
Joyner currently serves as chairman of the board.
Other current members of the board are Jared Gainey, Tommy Deese, Pat Dial and Cecill Robinson. Dial and Robinson were both appointed to the board. Gainey serves as vice chairman and Dial serves as secretary/treasurer.
For more information, call the Richmond County Board of Elections at 910-997-8253.
