Hanover-Caroline Soil and Water Conservation District

The Virginia Agricultural Cost-share Program (VACS) provides cost-share and technical assistance to landowners and agricultural operators who voluntarily install selected Best Management Practices (BMPs) such as stream exclusion fencing, rotational grazing systems, cover crops, and others.

VACS flyer

Sign-ups for the 2022 VACS Program will be by appointment, July 13 - August 20, 2021. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact District conservation specialists, Kemper Marable, Kelsey Williams, or Marian Moody.

Pic of Bandana farm

​Mission

The District's mission is to provide and promote leadership in the conservation of natural resources through proper stewardship and educational programs.

​Scope

The District promotes the conservation of natural resources through initiatives that include serving as a primary resource for educational and technical assistance to local government, schools, civic groups, agriculture, and urban, ​transitional and business communities.

​Structure

The District consists of a citizen board of elected and appointed directors and a full-time staff of conservation, education, and administrative specialists.

Director Terms of Service

Two directors are elected to represent Hanover County and two are elected to represent Caroline County. Each serve a 4-year term and are elected in the November general election. Two at-large members are appointed by the Board to serve as directors. Additionally, non-voting associate directors are appointed by the Board.

A video recording of the October 2, 2020 Education Committee meeting, held via Zoom, is available upon request.

Directors and Officers

  • Leigh Pemberton, Director, Chairman, appointed
  • Donald L. Wells, Director, Vice Chairman, Secretary, elected, Hanover
  • Cindy Smith, Director, Treasurer, elected, Caroline
  • George Rice, Director, elected, Hanover
  • Joseph H. Stepp, III, Director, Vice-Chairman, elected, Caroline
  • Laura Maxey-Nay, Director, appointed, Virginia Cooperative Extension agent
  • Tim Tobin, Associate Director, appointed, Caroline
  • J. Timothy Etheredge, Associate Director, appointed, Hanover
  • Casey Engel, Associate Director, appointed, Caroline
  • Meredeth Dash, Associate Director, appointed, Hanover