Soil and Water Conservation Districts

Soil and Water Conservation Districts. . Soil conservation became a national priority as a result of the Dust Bowl in the 1930's. Soil scientist Hugh Hammond Bennett led the effort to educate legislators, landowners, and the public about the importance of conservation. President Franklin Roosevelt recommended to the governors that each state allow landowners to form conservation districts to address the problems caused by erosion. , In 1937, Coosa River, in North West Georgia, became the first soil conservation district to be established in Georgia and the second in the nation. There are 40 soil conservation districts whose mandate was later expanded to include water conservation and their names were changed to soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs). Since the start of conservation districts in the state of Georgia, the soil and water on two-thirds of Georgia's 37 million acres have been protected. , Walton County joined the Ocmulgee District in 1939 before eventually becoming its own district in 1977. The Walton County SWCD is one of 17 single county districts in the state. This means Walton County residents benefit from a consolidation of funds and resources and easier coordination with local governments.