The Washington County Soil Conservation District was organized and established on January 22, 1940 under the Maryland Soil Conservation Districts Law (Agriculture Article, §§8-501, Annotated Code of Maryland). The WCSCD constitutes a political subdivision of the State and, as a public body, exercises public powers. The law includes a declaration of policy that has guided the WCSCD in responding to
the needs of Washington County residents. It reads:
It is the policy of the General Assembly to provide for the conservation of the soil, water, and related resources of the State and for the control and prevention of soil erosion in order to preserve natural resources, control floods, prevent impairment of dams and reservoirs, assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors, preserve wildlife, protect the tax base, protect the public lands, protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the State, and otherwise enhance their living environment. To meet this broad policy challenge the Board of Supervisors of the WCSCD provides programs that are balanced in their approach to natural resource management. It has been the belief of the WCSCD that voluntary incentive driven programs of direct technical and financial assistance to landowners and land users accomplishes the most balanced result with the most lasting effects. The WCSCD Board of Supervisors is made up of five residents from Washington County. Each member is appointed to a five-year term (with no term limit). Four of the members are appointed by the State Soil Conservation Committee; one from a list of three submitted by the Washington County Farm Bureau; one from a list of three submitted by the Washington County Cooperative Extension Service; and two at-large positions selected from residents of the county. The one remaining supervisor is appointed by the county governing body. The Supervisors meet monthly to guide and direct the work of the WCSCD, which is accomplished by their employees and personnel assigned to them from the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Office of Resource Conservation. The Supervisors secure funding from federal, state, and local sources to accomplish the goal of balancing a productive land in harmony with the needs of Washington County residents. Our Vision
The Washington County Soil Conservation District is recognized for effective leadership in natural resource conservation in assisting people and communities to achieve a productive land in harmony with a quality environment. Our Mission
To provide effective leadership in addressing the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources, through delivery of programs focusing on education, information, financial incentives, and technical assistance to landowners and land users of Washington County. What We Do
The WCSCD is the leader in Washington County in providing technical and financial assistance to local land owners and land users to implement best management practices. We work with individuals, families, businesses, cooperating agencies and municipalities by providing a range of technical services to meet natural resource management issues. We work both in the agricultural and urban conservation arenas to accomplish our mission. We act as the delivery system for various federal, state and local programs focused on improving soil, water, and related natural resources.
