About us
The Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District (PWSWCD or The District) is focused on protecting and enhancing our water and soil resources in Prince William County, an area encompassing 316 square miles with 25% of the land used for agricultural purposes. The District provides free technical service to farmers, home owners, students, teachers, etc.
The District is funded by Prince William County Department of Public Works, Stormwater Management Division and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Division of Soil and Water Conservation. The District is a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia, as funding comes from both the county and the state.
The District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors: three are elected, one is appointed by a state board, and one is a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent. The District staff consists of a District Manager, Office Manager, Conservation Specialist, Conservation Planner, Education and Outreach Specialist, and Water Quality Program Coordinator.
Our Mission
The Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District encompasses all of Prince William County. Its mission is to provide leadership in the conservation of soil, water, and related resources to all Prince William County citizens through technical assistance, information, and education. The District accomplishes this mission by administering the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practice Cost-Share Program in the county and developing and administering educational programs to youth and adults. The District plays a role in the larger objective of improving water quality not only in local watersheds, but also in the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay Watersheds.
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History on Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Across the United States, nearly 3000 conservation districts - almost one in every county-are helping local people to conserve land, water, forests, wildlife and related natural resources. Conservation Districts were formed in the 1930's in response to the aftermath of the Dust Bowl.
Known in various parts of the country as "soil and water conservation districts," "resource conservation districts," "natural resource districts," "land conservation committees" and similar names, they share a single mission: to coordinate assistance from all available sources - public and private, local, state, and federal - in an effort to develop locally driven solutions to natural resource concerns.
More than 15,000 volunteers serve in elected or appointed positions on conservation districts' governing boards. They work directly with more than 2.3 million cooperating land managers nationwide, and their efforts touch more than 778 million acres of private land.
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For more information on conservation districts, visit the National Association of Conservation Districts.