DCABP Endorses David Harris

  DCABP Endorses David Harris for an additional four years to serve as a Durham Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor

The Durham Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor is a local public official who helps set policy and priorities for protecting Durham County’s soil, water, farmland, and other natural resources. The District is a governmental subdivision of North Carolina operating under Chapter 139 of state law, and its five-member Board of Supervisors consists of three elected supervisors and two appointed supervisors, each serving four-year terms. 

During his interview, Harris explained in practical terms, a supervisor helps: 

Set Durham’s conservation priorities, including issues involving soil erosion, water quality, stormwater, flooding, farmland preservation, stream restoration, wildlife habitat, and other natural-resource concerns. 

Oversee conservation programs and funding. The board reviews and approves contracts associated with programs such as the Agriculture Cost Share Program (ACSP), Agricultural Water Resources Assistance Program (AgWRAP), and Community Conservation Assistance Program (CCAP). 

Support farmers and agricultural preservation, including programs designed to preserve farmland, strengthen Durham's agricultural economy, and help landowners implement conservation practices. 

Assist homeowners and communities through programs addressing drainage, erosion, water quality, and other conservation challenges. Durham's district, for example, provides technical assistance and certain cost-share opportunities to homeowners. 

Promote environmental education for children and adults and encourage residents to become better stewards of Durham's natural resources. 

Build partnerships with Durham County, state and federal agencies, businesses, nonprofits, farmers, landowners, and community organizations to secure technical and financial resources for conservation projects. 

An important distinction is that the Soil and Water Conservation District generally operates through a voluntary, locally led, non-regulatory approach rather than functioning like an environmental enforcement agency. Supervisors provide governance and policy direction while working with professional staff and partner agencies to encourage conservation through education, technical assistance and financial incentives. 

For the 2026 Durham County election, Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor is one of the county offices appearing on the November 3 ballot.