Richland County, South Carolina

Richland County Logo

Navigation

  • Online Services

    Online Services

    Save time with our convenient online services.

    Find out more
    • Online Payments
    • Family Court Calendar
    • Business Service Center
    • GIS & Mapping
    • Online Data Services
    • Voters and Districts
    • Watch County Council Live
    • General Session Motion Rosters
    • Inmate Inquiry
    • Family Court Payment Inquiry
    • Public Court Records Search
    • Common Pleas Court Roster
    • Master In Equity Court Rosters
    • Summary Court Dockets
    • Locate a Lost Pet
    • Hazardous Material Registration
    • Business Personal Property Return
    • Vehicle, Real Estate, Business & Personal Tax
    • Property Value & Tax Estimate
    • Assessor Mailing Address Change
    • Assessor Legal Residence Application
    • Agricultural Real Property Application
    • Homestead Exemption Application
    • Estate Inquiry
    • Marriage License Inquiry
    • Marriage License Application
  • Residents

    Residents

    Find services, schools, and safety information.

    Find out more
    • Engage Richland
    • Education
    • Health & Social Services
    • Libraries
    • Public Safety
    • Housing
      • Home Ownership Assistance
      • Homeowner Rehabilitation
    • Information for Residents
      • Local Hospitals
      • Schools
      • Getting Around Richland County
      • Automobile Registration & Driver's License
      • Pet Licenses
      • Voter Registration
      • Jury Duty
      • Solid Waste & Recycling
      • Local Utility Providers
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Vector Control
      • Mosquitoes
      • Diseases Spread By Mosquitoes
      • Beekeeper Information
  • Businesses

    Businesses

    Competitive tax incentives make Richland County a great place to do business.

    Find out more
    • Doing Business with Richland County
      • Accounts Payable Information
    • Running a Business
      • Hospitality Tax Information
        • Taxable Items
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Forms
    • Starting a Business
    • Procurement & Contracting
      • About Us
      • Solicitations
      • Announcements
      • Vendors
    • Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO)
  • Government

    Government

    Access a complete listing of Richland County departments, committees, and courts.

    Find out more
    • Advisory Councils
      • Central Midlands Council of Governments
      • Lexington Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Control
      • Richland County Neighborhood Council
      • Solid Waste Advisory Council
      • Community Relations Council
    • Boards
      • Board of Assessment Appeals
      • Building Board of Adjustment and Appeal
      • Business Service Center Appeals Board
      • Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (CMRTA)
      • Historic Columbia Foundation
      • Library Board of Trustees
      • Performing Arts Center Board
      • Richland Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees
      • River Alliance Board
      • The Township Auditorium
      • Elections and Voter Registration Board
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2013
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2012
        • Agendas, Minutes and Actions - 2011
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes, & Actions - Prior Years
    • County Council
      • Clerk of Council
      • News
      • County Council Districts
      • County Council Members
        • Gretchen Barron
        • Jason Branham
        • Cheryl English
        • Paul Livingston
          • Paul Livingston Bio Part II
        • Jesica Mackey
        • Chakisse Newton
        • Derrek Pugh
        • Allison Terracio
        • Don Weaver
        • Tyra Little
        • Tish Dozier Alleyne
      • Strategic Plan
      • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
      • Agenda, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Motions Search
    • Courts and Judicial System
      • Clerk of Court
        • General Sessions
        • Jury Information
        • Clerk of Court Staff
        • Common Pleas
      • Family Court
      • Magistrates
        • Magistrates Court Forms
      • Probate Court
        • Amy McCulloch, Probate Judge
        • Probate Court Divisions
          • Estate Division
          • Guardian & Conservatorship
          • Records Division
          • Marriage License
          • Commitment
        • Filing Fees
        • History
        • Workshops
        • Probate Terms
        • Probate Contacts
        • Forms
      • Public Defender
      • Solicitor
      • Master-in-Equity
    • Departments
      • Department Directory
      • Animal Care
        • Facts
          • About
          • Disaster
          • Info
        • FAQ
        • Licensing
        • Links
        • Cat Diversion
        • View Animals
      • Budget and Grants Management
        • Annual Budget Reports
          • Current Fiscal Year Reports
          • Prior Fiscal Years Reports
        • ARPA Grants Applications
      • Building Codes & Inspections
        • Plans Review
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Contacts
      • Business Operations
        • Central Services
        • Finance
          • Accounts Payable Check Register
          • Reporting
          • ACFR Reports
          • Financial Transparency Reporting
          • Procurement Card Register
          • Annual Budget Reports
        • GIS & Mapping
        • Human Resources
        • Information Technology
        • Procurement
        • Register of Deeds
          • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Small Local Business Enterprises
      • Community Development
        • Community Development Programs
          • Homeownership
          • Homeowner Rehabilitation
          • Public Improvements
          • Stimulus Projects
          • Neighborhood Revitalization
        • CDBG Mitigation
        • Community Development News
        • Housing & Urban Development
          • Fair Housing
        • Quail Creek
      • Conservation
        • Soil & Water Conservation District
          • About
          • Natural Resources Conservation
          • Youth Education
          • Join Us
          • Conservation District News
          • Board Meetings
        • Conservation Commission
          • Richland County Heritage Tour
        • Pinewood Lake Park
          • Rules
          • Picnic Shelters
          • Fishing and Boating
          • Trails and Fitness
          • Demonstration Garden
          • Park History
          • Natural History
      • Executive
        • Administration
        • Ombudsman
        • Clerk of Council
      • Health & Social Services
      • Government and Community Services
        • Homeowners Associations
      • Grants
        • Accommodations Tax
        • Hospitality Tax
        • Community Impact Grants
      • Legislative
        • Legislative Delegation
      • Licensing & Registration
        • Animal Care
        • Business Service Center
          • BSC Online Services
          • Proposed Bag Ordinance
            • More Info for Residents
              • Take the Resident Survey
            • More Info for Businesses
              • Take the Business Survey
            • More Resources
            • Ordinance Timeline
            • Updates from County Council
            • Plastics and Recycling Q & A
        • Marriage License Inquiry
        • Planning & Development
        • Register of Deeds
        • Residential Rental Property Registration
      • OSBO
        • Home
          • About Us
          • Workshops & Events
          • News
        • Services
        • Resources
          • Ordinances
        • Steps
          • Is My Business Eligible?
          • Submit an Application
          • Certification Process
        • Contracting
      • Public Information Office
      • Public Safety
        • Animal Care
        • Coroner
        • Detention Center
          • PREA
        • Emergency Services
        • Richland County Sheriff's Department
        • SC Department of Public Safety
        • SC Law Enforcement Division
        • Victim/Witness Assistance
      • Public Works
        • GIS Public Works
        • Special Services
        • Jim Hamilton-LB Owens Airport (CUB)
        • Roads & Drainage Maintenance
        • Department Projects
        • Engineering
        • Solid Waste & Recycling
          • Curbside Pick-up
            • Recycling
            • New Account Set-up and Moving
            • Handicapped Service Options
            • Roll Cart Care
            • Household Garbage
            • Yard Waste
            • Bulk and Large Items
            • Evictions and Unwanted Items
            • Household Hazardous Waste
          • Drop-off Facilities
            • Residential and Commercial
            • Accepted Items
            • Transporting Loads
            • Illegal Dumping
            • Drop-off Locations
          • Solid Waste and Recycling Service Areas
        • Stormwater Management
          • Construction
          • Education and Public Involvement
          • Inspections
          • Monitoring
          • Ordinances
          • Capital Improvement Projects
        • Transportation Roadmap
          • Archive
      • Taxes
        • Pay Online
        • Treasurer
          • Tax Payment Options
          • Planned Payments
          • Frequently Asked Questions
          • Treasurer News
          • Treasurer News Archive
          • FLC Available Properties
          • Kendra L Dove
        • Assessor
          • Legal Residence Clarification
          • Agriculture Use Value
          • Classification of Property
          • Example of Appraisal Notice
          • How to Challenge Your Value or Assessment
          • Property Appraised by the SC Department of Revenue
          • Taxes & Fair Assessment
          • School Tax Credit
          • 2014 Reassessment Program
        • Auditor
          • Property
          • Tax Exemptions
        • Hospitality Tax
      • Utilities
        • Water
          • Water Rates Schedule
          • Water System Consumer Confidence Reports
        • Sewer
          • Industrial Pretreatment Rates Schedule
          • Sanitary Rates Schedule
        • Forms
        • Procurement
        • Learn
        • News
        • About
        • Service Area Map
        • Current Alerts
        • Development
        • Other Utility Providers
        • Billing & Service
          • Establish Service
          • Cancel Service
          • Billing Adjustment
          • Delinquent Accounts
          • Special Power of Attorney
        • Contact Us
      • Transportation Penny
        • Projects
      • Voter Registration & Elections
        • About Us
        • Elections
        • Election Results
          • 2017
          • 2018
          • 2019
          • 2020
          • 2021
          • 2022
          • 2023
          • 2024
        • Voter Registration
        • Outreach
        • Board of Directors
          • Board Information
            • Board Meeting - Agendas and Minutes
            • Board Meetings - Agendas and Minutes - Prior Years
        • Early & Absentee Voting
        • Election Workers
      • Planning & Development
        • Comprehensive Planning
        • Neighborhood Planning
          • RCNC
          • Grants
          • Master Plans
          • Events
          • Planning Month
        • Sustainability Planning
          • Accomplishments
          • News
          • Publications
          • Resources
          • Sustainability Tour
        • E-911 Addressing and Road Naming
        • Floodplain Management
          • FPBasics
          • DevReview
          • Mapping
          • Prep
          • Property
          • Drainage
          • Info
        • Land Development Code
    • Ordinances
      • Recently Approved Ordinances
    • Elected Offices
    • County ADA Compliance
    • Committees
      • Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee
      • Ad Hoc and Short Term Committees
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Administration and Finance Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Animal Care Advisory Committee
      • Development and Services Committee
        • Agenda, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Discretionary Grant Fund Review Committee
      • Economic Development Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Employee Grievance Committee
      • Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
      • Internal Audit Committee
      • Nulla Bona Committee
      • Rules and Appointments Committee
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
      • Transportation Penny Advisory Committee
    • Commissions
      • Airport Commission
        • Agendas & Minutes
        • Agendas & Minutes - Prior Years
      • Conservation Commission
        • Agendas & Minutes
        • Agendas & Minutes - Prior Years
        • Commission News
        • Natural Resources
          • Natural Resource Grants
          • Conservation Easements
          • Richland County Trail Map
          • Projects
        • Historic Preservation
          • Cemeteries
          • Historic Preservation Grants
          • Bailey Bill
          • Historic Site Inventory
          • Architectural Surveys
          • Projects
          • Historical Markers
          • Historic Preservation Plan
        • Partners
        • Commission Members
        • Richland County Heritage Tour
      • Convention Center Commission
      • East Richland Public Service Commission
      • Music Festival Commission
      • Richland County Recreation Commission
      • Riverbanks Park Commission
      • Elections Commission
      • Planning Commission
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions
        • Agendas, Minutes & Actions - Prior Years
  • Visitors

    Visitors

    Part rustic natural beauty, part vibrant city scene - Richland County offers something for everyone!

    Find out more
  • About Richland County
  • Careers
  • News
  • Events
  • Contact Us
  • FOIA
Menu Search

One-Call Response Center 24 Hours (803) 929-6000

About

Vision

Our vision is to continue to provide leadership and support for conservation efforts in the Midlands that improve the quality and quantity of the county’s natural resources.

Mission

The Richland Soil and Water Conservation District promotes the wise use and care of natural resources--with a focus on soil and water--for long-term sustainability in a changing environment.

Goals

Check out our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan to learn about our goals, strategies, and desired outcomes. 

Meetings

Board meetings are typically held at 6pm on the second Monday of each month. Visit our Board Meeting page for upcoming meeting dates and agendas, and contact us at soilandwater@richlandcountysc.gov for more information. 

People

The board is comprised of elected and appointed public officials responsible for the conservation of natural resources in Richland County. 

Commissioners

  • J. Kenneth Mullis, Chairman
  • Jeff Laney, Vice Chairman
  • Jim Rhodes, Secretary/Treasurer
  • Mary Burts, Commissioner
  • Tim McSwain, Commissioner

Associate Commissioners

  • Kirstin Bullington
  • Sarah Burnham
  • Kip Dillihay
  • Mary Frances Hendrix
  • Mary Beth McSwain
  • Charles Weber

Staff (Richland County Conservation Division)

Quinton Epps, Division Manager
epps.quinton@richlandcountysc.gov
803-576-2082

Jessica Thompson, Conservation Education Analyst
thompson.jessica@richlandcountysc.gov
803-576-5464

Alexis Wallraf, Administrative Assistant
wallraf.alexis@richlandcountysc.gov
803-576-2080

Chelsea Holliday, Administrative Assistant of Outreach and Community Engagement
holliday.chelsea@richlandcountysc.gov
803-576-2087

Staff (Richland Soil and Water Conservation District)

Jennifer Mancke, Green Step Schools Mentor
jenmanckeearthed@gmail.com

 

Contact Us
Richland Soil and Water Conservation District
2020 Hampton Street, Room 3063A
Columbia, SC 29204
Phone: 803.576.2080
Fax: 803.576.2088
E-mail: soilandwater@richlandcountysc.gov
Facebook @rswcd
Instagram @richland_swcd

Partners

SC Department of Natural Resources
SC USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

History

NACD About Conservation Districts Fact Sheet

In 1937, following the ecological and economic disaster of the Dust Bowl, President Franklin D. Roosevelt urged state governors to pass legislation allowing local landowners to form soil conservation districts.  South Carolina responded to this rally by passing the Soil Conservation Districts Law, which was signed by Governor Olin D. Johnston in April of 1937.  This law stated that “the farm lands of the State are among the basic assets of the State and the preservation of these lands is necessary to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of its people.”  It also allowed soil conservation districts to be organized as subdivisions of State Government to take positive action toward this goal. 

As conservation districts were first organizing in South Carolina, multi-county jurisdictions were common.  In fact, 18 of the original 26 conservation districts in The Palmetto State included more than one county.  However, the advantages of working within smaller districts soon became apparent, and in 1947, districts began to re-organize themselves into single-county jurisdictions. 

The Congaree Soil Conservation District (SCD) was formed in 1939 and included Calhoun, Lexington, and Richland Counties.  D.C. Bryan and W.L. Morris were this District’s first supervisors.  In 1951, the Lexington SCD broke away from the Congaree SCD; by 1953, the Calhoun SCD had been organized and the former Congaree SCD was renamed the Richland SCD.

In 1965, the General Assembly re-designated all SCDs as Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and so the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) took on its current shape. 

Today, the Richland SWCD works to conserve the natural resources of Richland County by providing landowner education and technical assistance, supporting local and sustainable agriculture, strengthening the Midlands local food system, and engaging K-12 teachers and students in conservation through environmental education.

Newsletter Archives

E-newsletter Archives

Print Newsletters

2023 Annual Report (SC DNR)
2023 Annual Report
2022 Annual Report
2021 Annual Report
FY21 Program Infographic
FY21 Annual Report
Summer 2020
Summer 2019
Summer 2018
Winter 2017-2018
Summer 2017
Spring 2017
Summer 2016
Winter 2015-2016
Summer 2015
Winter 2014
Summer 2014
Spring 2014
Winter 2013

Have a question or concern?

Contact the Ombudsman
One-Call Response Center

  • Call: (803) 929-6000
  • Email: ombudsman
  Search

Government

  • Advisory Councils
  • Boards
  • County Council
  • Courts and Judicial System
  • Departments
    • Department Directory
    • Animal Care
    • Budget and Grants Management
    • Building Codes & Inspections
    • Business Operations
    • Community Development
    • Conservation
      • Soil & Water Conservation District
        • About
        • Natural Resources Conservation
        • Youth Education
        • Join Us
        • Conservation District News
        • Board Meetings
      • Conservation Commission
      • Pinewood Lake Park
    • Executive
    • Health & Social Services
    • Government and Community Services
    • Grants
    • Legislative
    • Licensing & Registration
    • OSBO
    • Public Information Office
    • Public Safety
    • Public Works
    • Taxes
    • Utilities
    • Transportation Penny
    • Voter Registration & Elections
    • Planning & Development
  • Ordinances
  • Elected Offices
  • County ADA Compliance
  • Committees
  • Commissions

Find My District

Stay on top of issues affecting your area. District hearings, school closings, voting locations and more!

Get Started
Emergency Preparedness
Captcha
Email Address RequiredIncorrect Format
  • Home
    • About Richland County
    • Careers
    • News
    • Events
    • Contact Us
    • FOIA
  • Residents
    • Engage Richland
    • Education
    • Health & Social Services
    • Libraries
    • Public Safety
    • Housing
    • Information for Residents
    • Emergency Preparedness
    • Vector Control
  • Businesses
    • Doing Business with Richland County
    • Running a Business
    • Starting a Business
    • Procurement & Contracting
    • Office of Small Business Opportunity (OSBO)
  • Government
    • Advisory Councils
    • Boards
    • County Council
    • Courts and Judicial System
    • Departments
    • Ordinances
    • Elected Offices
    • County ADA Compliance
    • Committees
    • Commissions
  • Visitors

Richland County
South Carolina

Mailing Address
2020 Hampton Street
P.O. Box 192
Columbia, SC 29201

Physical Address
2020 Hampton Street
Columbia, SC 29204

One-Call Response Center
24 Hours (803) 929-6000

ombudsman@richlandcountysc.gov

More Information

  • Richland County ADA Compliance
  • Title VI Public Participation Plan
  • Legal Disclaimer
  • Privacy Disclaimer
  • Sitemap

Follow us

Follow @RichlandSC

© Richland County, S.C. | Website by Cyberwoven