Annual Strategic Plans

Strategic Plans

Every Soil & Water Conservation District must develop an annual Strategic Plan for the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission Cost Share Programs. This plan, required by 02 NCAC 59D .0101, outlines how the district will deliver cost-share and technical assistance programs over the coming year. Strategic Plans are submitted using the Division’s Strategic Plan Template and online submission form, available on the Division website. The plan helps guide budgeting and fund allocation—including technical assistance and ACSP cost-share funds—and ensures district activities align with state priorities. Resources, instructions, and templates can be found under the Division’s ACSP Resources section.

(Strategic Plan Resources on the Division Website)

Navigating DSWC Website

Navigating the NCDA&CS: Division of Soil & Water Districts Website

Join Regional Coordinator Ken Parks as he guides you through the NC Division of Soil & Water Conservation website, showing exactly where to find key forms, program resources, training materials, and updates. This short webinar will help you navigate the site more efficiently, save time, and ensure you’re always accessing the most current information. Ken will also share tips for bookmarking and organizing frequently used pages so you can reach the information you need faster.

Uploading to SharePoint

Utilizing SharePoint

For Soil & Water Conservation Districts

The NC Division of Soil & Water Conservation uses SharePoint as the primary system for document submission and sharing with local Soil & Water Conservation Districts. District staff submit required documents via the SharePoint site (AGR-SoilWaterConservation) using your county email. For first-time access or login help, contact Kristina Fischer. NC Agriculture

To keep things organized and efficient, the Division provides a list of recommended naming conventions for files stored in SharePoint. NC Agriculture

Below is a guide on how to use the system, plus key resources and best practices to help ensure documents are stored correctly and accessibly.

1. Access & Login

  • SharePoint is accessed via AGR-SoilWaterConservation at ncconnect.sharepoint.com/sites/AGR-SoilWaterConservation. NC Agriculture
  • Use your county email address and password. NC Agriculture
  • If you’re logging in for the first time, or if you have access issues, contact Kristina Fischer at the NC Division of Soil & Water Conservation for help. NC Agriculture

2. What to Submit via SharePoint

Districts are required to submit certain forms, reports, and other documentation via SharePoint. These may include:

  • Financial or cost‐share documents
  • Meeting minutes, agendas, or other records of public meetings
  • Contract or program forms
  • Other district or Division required forms/resources NC Agriculture

3. Naming Conventions & Organization

To keep things consistent, discoverable, and compliant, the Division provides a quick list of naming conventions for files in SharePoint. These guidelines help ensure documents are stored in a way that’s easy to locate and reference later. NC Agriculture

Some best practices (drawn from both the Division’s guidance and the NC State Archives’ general file-naming standards) include:

  • Use descriptive and consistent names, e.g. “CountyName_DocumentType_Date” (for instance: “Wake_CostShareReport_2025-06-30”).
  • Avoid special characters (, /, *, etc.), which may cause issues in SharePoint or with backups.
  • Include the date in a standardized format (YYYY-MM-DD) to help with sorting.
  • Make sure the document type is clear (Agenda, Minutes, FinancialReport, Contract, etc.).

4. Document Retention & Records Schedules

  • Once submitted, documents are subject to retention and disposition schedules. Local Soil & Water Conservation Districts adopt both the General Records Schedule for Local Government Agencies and the special schedule for Soil & Water Conservation Districts. NC Agriculture
  • Boards should formally adopt the schedules at a meeting, have them signed (by the Chair and Department Head), and return signature pages to the Records Analysis Unit at the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. NC Agriculture
  • These schedules guide how long documents must be kept, and when they may be disposed of or archived.

5. Confidentiality Considerations

Some documents may contain confidential information (e.g. certain data from agricultural producers or geo‐spatial information tied to farms) that are protected under state or federal law. Before submission or sharing, verify whether any submitted document contains confidential content, and follow the Division’s rules for handling such materials. NC Agriculture

Meeting Minutes

Taking Meeting Minutes

For Soil & Water Conservation Districts

Accurate and timely meeting minutes are essential for transparency, accountability, and compliance with North Carolina’s open meetings laws. Our website provides straightforward guidance on preparing, approving, and maintaining meeting minutes, including when minutes must be made public and how to handle confidential or closed-session records. If you have questions, contact your regional coordinator. All supporting materials have been provided by Kristina Fischer at the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Soil and Water Conservation.

Minutes for SWCDsDownload

Below is a document of example meeting minutes. You may see where these minutes go from very little information to very informative. What would you change about these examples?

Meeting MinutesDownload

Additional resources can be found on the Division of Soil & Water Conservation’s Website.

Going into Closed Session

Going into Closed Session

For Soil & Water Conservation Districts

Understanding when and how closed sessions may be held under North Carolina law can be challenging. Our website offers straightforward guidance on the state’s open meetings and public records laws, with special attention to the rules governing closed sessions. You’ll find clear explanations, practical tips, and direct links to relevant statutes and reference materials to support compliance and transparency. If you have questions, contact your regional coordinator. All supporting materials have been provided by Kristina Fischer at the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Soil and Water Conservation.

For additional information, please see our page on NC Sunshine Laws.

Closed sessions for SWCDsDownload
Closed Sessions QuizDownload

Disaster Response & Recovery Focus Group

Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025

Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Room TBD

This interactive session will explore where we’ve been, where we are now, and where we need to go when it comes to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The goal: to break down communication barriers and build a more unified, responsive, and proactive approach to disaster work in conservation.

Soil & Water Conservation Districts and partner agencies will kick things off with brief reflections on lessons learned from recent events—but the heart of this session is collaborative problem-solving. We’ll identify what worked, what didn’t, and what support is still needed to respond effectively to future disasters.

Bring your experience, your questions, and your ideas. Together, we’ll strengthen our readiness and resilience.

Skill Building Posts

Skill Building Session

Tuesday, August 12

North Carolina’s Climate: Past, Present, and Future

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Room 108
Presenter: Allison Whitaker
Organization: State Climate Office of NC

Have you ever wondered how climate data was collected before the use of thermometers? Come find out in this interactive lesson presented by Allison Whitaker with the State Climate Office of NC. She will share our North Carolina climate report and then lead into a hands-on lesson on palaeoclimatology where we will learn how to use tree rings for the collection of climate data. This is a great resource to use for 7th grade classes and to gain more knowledge for the Project WET Climate, Water and Resilience lessons.

Topographic Maps & Watershed Delineation Basics: A Hands-On Guide

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Room 109
Presenters: Robert Moore & Rachel Smith
Organization: NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation

Ever wondered what all those squiggly lines on a topo map actually mean? This hands-on session will walk you through the fundamentals of reading topographic maps and delineating watersheds — essential skills for proper BMP design and effective conservation planning. After a brief overview, you’ll put theory into practice by delineating a watershed yourself. Come sharpen your skills and leave with practical knowledge you can use in the field.

Smarter Budgeting: Excel & AI Tools for SWCD Success

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Room 110
Presenter: Nancy McCormick
Organization: Person Soil and Water Conservation District

Take control of your district’s budget with confidence! This hands-on session will walk participants through smart, practical uses of Microsoft Excel for Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) budgeting. We’ll cover tips, templates, and formulas that help reduce common errors, improve accuracy, and make budget preparation less stressful.

You’ll also get an introduction to using AI tools (like ChatGPT) to support budget-related tasks—such as formula generation, forecasting, creating budget narratives, and automating repetitive tasks.

Advanced RUSLE2 Workshop

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Room 107
Presenter: Josh Vetter
Organization: NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation

Take your RUSLE2 skills to the next level in this interactive, computer-based workshop led by Josh Vetter with the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation. This session is designed for conservation professionals who already have a working knowledge of RUSLE2 and are ready to dive deeper into advanced functions, troubleshooting, and practical applications in real-world conservation planning.

Participants will work through scenarios, explore advanced model settings, learn how to create and manipulate custom managements and develop RUSLE2 reports and plans. A laptop with RUSLE2 pre-installed is required to fully participate in the session.

Note: This workshop is best suited for individuals who have completed basic RUSLE2 training or have equivalent field experience.

Interactive CET 25 Posts

Interactive Sessions

Wednesday, August 13

Charting the Path: Focus Group on Individual Development Plans for SWCD Staff

Time: 8:30 AM – 10:AM
Room 107
Program Leads: Kristina Fischer & Brandy Myers
Organization: NC Division of Soil and Water Conservtion

This interactive session invites both new and experienced Soil and Water Conservation District staff—technical and administrative alike—to collaborate on improving the Individual Development Plans (IDPs) used to guide early career growth. These IDPs outline skill sets, training goals, and performance expectations tailored to each role. Your feedback will help refine these tools into practical, up-to-date resources that empower new employees and strengthen district capacity across North Carolina. Join the conversation and help shape the future of professional development for our conservation workforce.

Ready, Set, SWAT! Bringing Soil, Water & Agriculture Lessons to Life

Time: 8:30 AM – 10:AM
Room 109
Program Leads: Jessica Davis
Organization: NCASWCD

We’ve introduced the Project SWAT curriculum—now it’s time to put it into action! This hands-on workshop will walk you through ready-to-use lessons that can be integrated into your educational programs right away. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide feedback, share ideas, and help shape the future of this impactful training resource.

Beyond Easements: Farmland Preservation in Practice

Time: 8:30 AM – 10:AM
Room 108
Program Leads: Ryan Manning
Organization: NC Foundation of Soil and Water Conservation

Most of us know what a conservation easement is—now it’s time to go deeper. This 1.5-hour interactive discussion-based session will explore how farmland preservation programs really work, how districts can get more involved, and how to connect preservation with long-term community resilience. Bring your questions, challenges, and ideas for a practical, forward-thinking conversation.

The Birds, the Bees and the BMPs:  Why Wildlife Needs Your Plans

Time: 8:30 AM – 10:AM
Room 110
Program Leads: Kathryn Reis
Organization: NC Division of Soil and Water Conservtion

Wildlife doesn’t recognize property lines — and that makes farms and forests vital to their survival. This interactive session explores how Soil and Water Conservation Districts can integrate wildlife habitat needs into conservation planning, build strategic partnerships, and support landowners in managing working lands that benefit both agriculture and native species. Come ready to learn, laugh, and strategize for a more connected landscape.

Breakout Sessions CET

Breakout Sessions

Tuesday, August 12,

9 AM- 12:30 PM, Rooms 107, 108, 109 & 110

BMPs Toolkit – Room 109

Building a District BMP Proposal 🧰
Madison Bridges, Lincoln SWCD
Time: 9:10 AM
Got an idea for a district BMP? This presentation will cover one district’s experience with building and presenting a successful district BMP proposal.

Geocell Implementation in HUAs 🧰
Amelia Harold, Stokes SWCD
Time: 9:35 AM
Stokes BMP allows for Geocell installation as a component in Heavy Use Areas. Geocell is a tough, flexible grid system that helps to hold ABC stone in the heavy use area, potentially reducing the need for maintenance over the maintenance period and beyond. This session will explain contracting components, purchasing, benefits, and construction for HUAs using Geocell.

To Drill or Not to Drill: AgWRAP Water Storage Systems vs Additional Wells  🧰
Lorien Deaton, NCDA&CS – Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Time: 10:00 AM
Groundwater is a finite resource, and wells are becoming more expensive to install. This presentation will review AgWRAP water storage BMPs and when they may be a safer or more cost-effective option for cooperators.

Integrated Planning and Innovation – Room 109

Basics of an Engineering Plan 🧰
Rachel Smith, NCDA&CS – Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Time: 11:05 AM
Short version of reading plans developed by an engineer. Basics of what should be included and how to read plans.

Beginning the Journey into Advanced Drones and Multispectral Imagery 🧰
Charles Sanders, Dare SWCD
Time: 11:30 AM
Dare County’s experiences with the WingtraOne GenII drone and a RedEdge P+ Blue multispectral camera. Good decisions and mistakes, hurdles to be aware of, and the overall experience summed up.

CCAP: Program Overview and Site Assessment 🧰
Chris Love & Julie Henshaw, NCDA&CS – Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Time: 11:55 AM
Presentation will cover basics of the CCAP program, goals, purpose, limitations, application process, BMPs, and then a case study of a specific site and how we assessed it.

Disaster Response – Room 107

Organizing and Managing a District-run EWP Program 🧰
Ariel Zijp & Jill Carter, Buncombe SWCD & Tetra-Tech
Time: 9:10 AM
Buncombe County was devastated by Hurricane Helene. This session shares how Buncombe staff proceeded with EWP post-Helene. It includes organizing field crews, data collection, documentation, and coordination with multiple partners.

NCDA&CS Emergency Programs Overview 🧰
Ben Barham, NCDA&CS – Division of Emergency Programs
Time: 9:35 AM
Highlights the mission and capabilities of North Carolina’s Emergency Preparedness Program, focusing on how it supports farmers to enhance agricultural sustainability.

Lessons Learned from Helene 🧰
Ben Barham, NCDA&CS – Division of Emergency Programs
Time: 10:00 AM
Helene shares key takeaways from emergency response efforts, highlighting challenges faced during recent agricultural disasters and strategies used to support farmers and rebuild critical infrastructure.

Biochar – Room 107

Using Locally Sourced Biochar to Reclaim Hurricane Helene-impacted Soils 🧰
B. Todd Campbell, Joshua T. Padilla, USDA – Agricultural Research Service
Time: 11:05 AM
We will discuss preliminary results from a greenhouse study to assess the feasibility of amending Hurricane Helene-impacted soils with locally sourced biochar. The objective is to provide general guidelines for producers and landowners interested in using biochar as a soil amendment.

From Storm Debris to Soil Revival: A Biochar-Based Soil Restoration Project for Western North Carolina 🧰
Pabitra Aryal, NCDA&CS – Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Time: 11:30 AM
Explore how converting storm debris into biochar can restore degraded soils, improve water retention, and sequester carbon. Learn about the methodology, anticipated soil health benefits, and funding opportunities.

Bringing Biochar to WNC: A Regional Initiative for Conservation, Recovery, and Economic Growth 🧰
Dalton Buchanan, NCDA&CS – Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Time: 11:55 AM
This session highlights NC’s efforts to establish biochar production hubs that turn storm debris into valuable soil amendments. Learn about the Tigercat 6040, the pyrolysis process, and the economic, agronomic, and environmental benefits.

Mentoring: Growing Together – Room 110

I Can See Clearly Now 🎓 🧰 🗂️🧭
Greg Walker, Johnston SWCD
Time: 9:10 AM
Reflections on 44 years in conservation, offering insights and lessons for new Partnership employees based on a long and meaningful career.

Be an RCW Counselor! 🎓 🧰 🗂️🧭
Taryn Thompson, NCDA&CS – Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Time: 9:35 AM
Benefits of being a Resource Conservation Workshop Counselor—from building leadership and interpersonal skills to inspiring future conservationists.

Mentoring: Benefits from Both Sides 🎓 🧰 🗂️🧭
Brad Moore, Lindsay Edwards & Darren Layton, Alamance SWCD & Randolph SWCD
Time: 10:00 AM
Hear how mentoring can be fulfilling from both perspectives. Learn how the new mentoring program is building success for new district staff.

Innovative Outreach Programming – Room 110

Green Infrastructure Program for Youth 🎓🧰🧭
Jack Brown, Durham SWCD
Time: 11:05 AM
A youth program that addresses stormwater concerns and teaches students to design and implement practices. Learn about the experience, partners, and funding sources.

Microplastic… Community Action 🎓🧰🧭
Celeste Maus, Chowan SWCD
Time: 11:30 AM
Explore how to reduce microplastic health hazards through a community project focused on soft plastic recycling and reuse.

Community Engagement – Using Hands-on Activities at Outreach Events 🎓🧰🧭
Dru Harrison, New Hanover SWCD
Time: 11:55 AM
New Hanover SWCD uses interactive games like Soil & Water-themed Jenga and Plinko at community events to engage residents and raise awareness of its mission.

Education – Room 108

Education Contest Theme Resources – “We All Live in a Watershed” 🎓
Jessica Davis, NC Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Time: 9:10 AM
Provides educators with resources for teaching the 2025–2026 education contest theme.

Tips for Planning Educational Field Days 🎓
Shelby Cook, Swain SWCD
Time: 9:35 AM
Get inspired with ideas for organizing and running successful, hands-on field day events for schools, including lessons learned and planning tips.

Camp RIO: Soil & Water Summer Camp Through Partnerships 🎓
Rose Wall, Buncombe SWCD
Time: 10:00 AM
This session shares how we built our summer day camp through needs assessments and key partnerships, with strategies you can use to create your own community-based programs.

Empowering Action: Accuracy, Access, and Advocacy in Practice – Room 108

Stamping Out Notary Mistakes! 🗂️
Rebecca Hanna, Henderson SWCD
Time: 11:05 AM
Learn about common notary errors in NC and how to avoid them. Notaries are key to document integrity—let’s get it right every time.

IRA TA Funds are Flowing! 🗂️🧭
Kristina Fischer, NCDA&CS – Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Time: 11:30 AM
Learn how your district can earn funding while supporting IRA program implementation. Includes comments from Wake SWCD (invited).

What is Advocacy and Ways it Works 🧭
Bryan Evans, NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Time: 11:55 AM
How advocacy by the Association supports funding and policy efforts—and how districts can play a vital role in the process.

Legend

🧰 Technical

🎓 Education

🗂️ Admin

🧭 Leadership

New Belgium Asheville – Brewing & Stream Restoration Tour

Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025

Time: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM

Location: New Belgium Brewing: 21 Craven Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28806

Cost: Free

Embark on a journey that flows like the French Broad River itself—starting in the heart of the brewery and winding through thoughtfully restored creek corridors. Begin with an insider’s look at New Belgium’s brewing operations: see grain-to-glass in action as you pass mash tuns, fermenters, and the high-speed bottling line. Learn about the company’s employee-owned ethos and commitment to sustainability over a sample of their world-class beer.

Then, step outside to Craven Street and Penland Creek—where New Belgium partnered with the City of Asheville and RiverLink to transform a former brownfield into a thriving riparian habitat. You’ll visit bio-swales, rain gardens, constructed wetlands, and newly contoured creek banks planted with native vegetation—all designed to treat stormwater, stabilize stream banks, and enhance water quality before it reaches the French Broad River.

Your guide will share the story of uncovering and daylighting Penland Creek—restoring an underground waterway to support wildlife and community resilience—while also pointing out educational signage and sustainable site features like porous parking and rainwater harvesting.

This tour blends craft brewing culture with real-world environmental stewardship—ideal for beer lovers, landscape enthusiasts, and sustainability advocates alike.

Highlights: Brewing process • Penland Creek restoration • Sustainable site design • Possible tasting

New Belgium Brewery Asheville – ASLA Colorado