RI Partners

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that provides technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and private landowners. Its primary goal is to help people protect and conserve natural resources on their land. The NRCS offers voluntary programs and financial incentives to encourage sustainable practices that benefit soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and air quality, ultimately contributing to a healthier environment and productive agricultural lands.

Wildland Hydrology was established in 1985 by Dave Rosgen and specializes in training courses that focus on fluvial geomorphology, watershed assessment and management, river restoration, and monitoring.

Since its creation in 1996 by the General Assembly, the North Carolina Land and Water Fund (NCLWF), formerly known as the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, has conserved well over one-half million acres and protected or restored 3,000 miles of streams and rivers. 

Mount Airy, North Carolina, often affectionately known as "Mayberry" due to its inspiration for the fictional town in The Andy Griffith Show, is a charming city nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This historic town boasts a vibrant Main Street, complete with classic diners and unique shops, and is celebrated for its rich musical heritage, particularly its strong ties to bluegrass and old-time music. Beyond its nostalgic appeal, Mount Airy offers picturesque landscapes, a growing wine industry (Merlot), and a welcoming community spirit that embodies small-town America.

Funded by property taxes, the River Authority upholds a commitment to “providing safe, clean and enjoyable creeks and rivers,” which in its 83 years has led to a multitude of partnerships, research initiatives, and projects that integrate public health with ecosystems and sustainability with economic development.

The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation manages over 250,000 acres of iconic landscape across our state in our parks, recreation areas, and natural areas, with a mission dedicated to conservation, education, and recreation. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.

McDowell County, North Carolina, is a picturesque region located in the western part of the state, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the county is home to portions of Pisgah National Forest, offering residents and visitors access to breathtaking waterfalls, extensive hiking trails, and the scenic Catawba River. The county seat, Marion, serves as a hub for local culture and commerce, while the area's rich history is intertwined with its natural resources, from early frontier settlements to its later development driven by timber and agriculture.

Henderson County, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern North Carolina and established in 1838, is a popular destination known for its apple orchards,, mild climate, and scenic, high-elevation landscapes. The county seat, Hendersonville, features a vibrant downtown, while the county offers extensive outdoor recreation near the Pisgah National Forest, acting as a major tourism and retirement hub between Asheville, NC, and Greenville, SC.

The Southwestern North Carolina Resource Conservation and Development (SWNCRCD) Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that partners with local governments and communities across seven Western NC counties and the Cherokee Nation. It focuses on the sustainable development of natural, human, and economic resources through, for example, conservation,, and regional projects.

Blue Ridge Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), based in Spruce Pine, NC, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving northwest North Carolina by promoting sustainable development and natural resource conservation. It partners with local, state, and federal agencies to implement projects in water quality, land management, community development, and education.

Forsyth County, NC, located in the Piedmont region with Winston-Salem as its county seat, is the state's fourth-most populous county (approx. 382,590+ residents). Formed in 1849 from Stokes County and named for Col. Benjamin Forsyth, the area has deep roots in Moravian history, originally known as the Wachovia settlement. It is known for a blend of urban amenities, historic sites like Old Salem, and a robust, diverse economy.

The NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts was organized in 1944 to support and enhance the efforts of local soil and water conservation districts in conserving the natural resources of North Carolina. It is organized exclusively for educational, scientific, and charitable purposes and is a 501(c)(3) organization. The Association is made up of the 96 local soil and water local conservation districts that are guided by a board of local citizens, three of whom are elected (non-partisan), with two being appointed.

The Buncombe County Agriculture and Land Resources mission is to conserve the soil, water, and related natural resources of Buncombe County by providing education, information, technical assistance, and economic incentives to County residents and by establishing new programs in concert with other appropriate organizations to meet changing needs.

The Haywood Soil & Water Conservation District is a non-regulatory agency that offers help on a voluntary basis to the agricultural producers and citizens of Haywood County. Our technicians offer Conservation Technical Assistance and administer the North Carolina Agriculture Cost Share Programs. Haywood SWCD also has a year-round education program that includes field days, contests, teacher workshops and many other activities designed to complement and enrich student understanding about the environment.

The Clay County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), located in Hayesville, NC, promotes responsible land use, water quality, and natural resource conservation through technical assistance, education, and cost-share programs for farmers and landowners. It supports agricultural best management practices, offers equipment rentals, and manages conservation easements.

The Transylvania County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), formed in 1955, protects natural resources through non-regulatory, voluntary programs, technical assistance, and education. Located in Brevard, NC, it assists landowners with best management practices (BMPs), agricultural cost-share programs, and environmental education, including soil and water quality improvement.

The Alleghany Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Sparta, NC, promotes the conservation of natural resources through technical, educational, and financial assistance. Located at 90 S. Main St. (Room 200), they offer services like no-till drill rentals, erosion control, and, in partnership with the NRCS, support local landowners with conservation programs.

The Yancey County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), located at 111 Oak Crest Road in Burnsville, NC, is a local subdivision of state government dedicated to protecting natural resources. They assist landowners with conservation planning, promote environmental education, and manage programs like Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VADs).

The Wilkes Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a non-regulatory local government and non-profit organization established in 1939 to promote the voluntary management of natural resources in Wilkes County, NC.

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) is a sovereign nation and the only federally recognized Native American tribe in North Carolina. It consists of approximately 14,000 to 16,000 enrolled members, primarily descendants of those who remained in the East.