South Carolina Local Working Group Meetings

Locally led conservation consists of a series of phases which involve community stakeholders in natural resource planning, implementation of solutions and evaluation of results. Locally led conservation begins with the community itself, working through the local Conservation District. It is based on the principle that community stakeholders are best suited to deal with local resource problems. Individual members of the local work group may be involved in the locally led conservation effort from the beginning. For example, they may be instrumental in assisting with the conservation needs assessment and conservation action plan; it is the responsibility of the USDA local work group to finalize and forward recommendations to the State Conservationist. The NRCS designated conservationist will support and advise the local work group concerning technical issues, NRCS cost-share programs, and other matters relating to conservation program delivery. In cases where the Conservation District does not conduct a conservation needs assessment, it is the responsibility of the local work group, with appropriate outreach and public involvement, to ensure that a conservation needs assessment is completed before submitting priorities and applying for USDA program assistance.

• The LWG Meeting will be hosted by the District Commissioners, employees,
and/or District Conservationist.

Upcoming local working group meetings are below:

Aiken County, June 11, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at 1930 University Pkwy. Aiken, SC 29801

Abbeville County, June 11, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. at the Abbeville NRCS Office, 394 Hwy 28 Bypass, Abbeville SC 29620

McCormick County, May 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Talmage Center Cafe,1319 South Main St McCormick SC 29835

Beaufort County, August 8, 2025 at Noon at the Jasper County SWCD Office, Blue Heron Nature Center, Ridgeland, SC 

** Contact: If you have any questions, please contact your Area Office staff.