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Jackson County Soil & Water Conservation District
538 Scotts Creek Road, Suite 110
Community Services Building
Sylva NC 28779
Phone: 828-586-5465 or 828-586-6344
Fax: 828-631-9183
Frankie Ruff
Administrative Officer
E-mail: frankieruff@jacksonnc.org
Barry Stevens
Soil Conservation Technician
E-mail: barrystevens@jacksonnc.org
Kayla Hudson
District Conservationist
E-mail: kayla.hudson@nc.usda.gov
John Ottinger
Soil Conservation Technician Jackson & Swain Counties
john.ottinger@nc.usda.gov
The District is governed by a five member Board of which three are elected and two appointed by the state Soil & Water Conservation Commission. The District staff consists of an Administrative Officers and Soil Conservation Technician (funded by the County and the State of North Carolina). USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service provides a District Conservationist and a part-time Soil Conservationist funded by the Federal Government.
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District Supervisors
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John Wittekind, Chairman
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Nikki Toedtman, Member
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Doug Parker, Vice-Chairman
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Jeff McCall, Member
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Jerry McAbee, Secretary-Treasurer
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Goals
Encourage wise use of natural resources, improve water quality and preserve the aesthetic quality of Jackson County. Expand the educational program of the District. Seek increased funding through cost share and grants. Increase public awareness of the conservation program and services provided by the District. Network and combine resources with other agencies to expand conservation efforts in the District.
Functions, Objectives and Duties
The District exists to carry out a program for resource development and conservation of our natural resources. This is accomplished by assisting land users in the proper care and use of land as it relates to the conservation of our natural resources. The main objective is to provide a quality environment and higher standard of living while protecting our natural resources.
The District will do so by providing the following assistance:
Work to control erosion and improve water quality through encouraging best management practices. Encourage the wise use of natural resources and discourage practices that degrade the aesthetic quality of our County. Keep abreast of, support and be familiar with regulations and laws pertaining to clean water, erosion and sedimentation, and agricultural waste management. Cooperate with local regulatory agencies to educate land users regarding good stewardship of our natural resources. Expand current educational programs in schools and to the public to increase awareness of natural resources and the importance of conservation. Provide technical assistance, free of charge, to all land users in Jackson County. Provide financial assistance through cost share programs to our agricultural community and others for the installation of best management practices as prescribed by the policies and procedures of federal and state programs. Review sedimentation and erosion control plans for Jackson County. Seek grants to aid in stream bank stabilization, erosion and sediment control and good water quality.
Educational Opportunities
Poster, Essay & Public Speaking Contests Teacher of the Year Competition Resource Conservation Workshop Conservation Field Days Envirothon (local and state competition) Presentations to Schools and Civic Groups
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