About Soil Conservation District
The Hamilton County Soil Conservation district was organized on October
1, 1951. It is a legal subdivision of the state government
authorized by the Soil Conservation District law of 1939. The
District is directed by a five member Board
of Supervisors, two are appointed to office and three are
elected by local landowners. They serve a three year term and
receive no salary.
The Hamilton County Soil Conservation District directs a program
of natural resource conservation within Hamilton County. The
District has assembled various inventories and assessments of the
resources in the county. The data is constantly being updated and
revised to reflect our changing times. Inventories and assessments along
with federal, state, and local laws and regulations are the primary
tools used to assist the board in carrying out their environmental
responsibilities.
Hamilton County SCD Conservation Programs
Conservation Technical Assistance
We provide technical expertise on a variety of natural resource problems
for the land-users in Hamilton County of non-Federal land. We assist our
clients in protection, conservation, and enhancement of our natural
resources (soil, water, air, plants, and animals) through the use of
Best Management Practices (BMPs). Many inquiries are concerning farm
ponds.
We provide information on:
- Planning, design, and proper installation of a farm pond
- Recommended treatment of algae growth on pond surface
- Recommended treatment for leaking ponds
- Permit requirements by Federal, State, and/or Local Law for
agricultural practices
CTA includes, but is not limited to the following program areas:
- CONSERVATION PLANNING
- ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM
- CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM
- WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM
- CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
- GRASSLAND RESERVE PROGRAM
Environmental Assessment Data
We have several types of maps for Hamilton County:
- Historical aerial photographs for the years: 1953, 1964, 1972,
1982 and 1992
- U.S.G.S. Topographical Maps (Quad Sheets)
- F.E.M.A. Flood Insurance Rate Maps
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife National Wetlands Inventory
- 1982 Infrared aerial photography.
- Soil Survey including Prime Farmland and Hydric Soils.
Fish Day
The SCD sponsors fish-stocking service to area residents. The supplier
will be in the office parking lot to answer questions and supply
low-cost catfish, bluegill, bass, Grass carp, crappie, minnows, and
bream. Call the office
for the exact date and available fish types at 423/894-1687 ext. 3.
Hamilton County Agriculture Hall Of Fame
The Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to recognize and honor those
individuals who have made significant contributions in agriculture,
Silva culture and rural development to Hamilton County. Honorees are
nominated by the public and voted on by the Hall of Fame Committee
Members and past inductees. Committee Membership consists of one
representative from: Ag Credit, Farm Credit Services, Farm Bureau, Hamilton County Soil
Conservation District, Tennessee Department of Agriculture-Forestry
Division, U.S.D.A.-Farm Service Agency, U.S.D.A.-Natural Resources
Conservation Service, and U.T. Extension Service and USDA Rural Development. The
honors banquet is held in October of every odd-numbered year.
Hamilton County Farm Tour
The Farm Tour is held in July of every even-numbered year. The tour
highlights recent agriculture innovations, successful agriculture
enterprises, and local problem area treatments in Hamilton and
surrounding counties. Leadership for the tour rotates among the
Tennessee Department of Agriculture-Forestry Division, U.S.D.A.-Farm
Service Agency, U.S.D.A.-Natural Resources
Conservation Service, and U.T. Extension Service and the Hamilton County Soil
Conservation District.
Resource Conservation and Development Program
The Hamilton County SCD is a member of the Southeast Tennessee Resource
Conservation and Development Council, which is comprised of 13
southeastern Tennessee Counties. They are headquartered in
Athens, Tennessee and can be reached at 423/507-1252.
Soil Surveys
The official Soil Survey of Hamilton County, Tennessee was
updated in 1982. It is a publication of the National Cooperative Soil
Survey and contains predictions of soil behavior for selected land uses.
The survey also highlights limitations and hazards inherent in the soil,
improvements needed to overcome the limitations, and the impact of
selected land uses on the environment. It is useful for farmers,
foresters, community planners, engineers, developers, homebuyers,
conservationists, teachers, and students.
Soil Testing
We do not do the Soil Testing for pH, lime and fertilizer requirements
for crops and/or lawn grasses. Contact the U. T. -Agricultural Extension
Service at 423/855-6113 or https://utextension.tennessee.edu/.
We can assist you with interpretation of the results for application
rates.
Tree Day
For over forty years, the Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga, Tennessee Department of
Agriculture-Forestry Division, and BI-LO have joined with the SCD to
distributed FREE trees to the general public. The giveaway is held at
area malls each March. Please call the office for the exact date and
time, species of trees and place for the next Tree Day.
