Ben Setzler
NEWBERRY COUNTY — The South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts (SCACD) recently elected Commissioner Ben Setzler of Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District to serve as President on their Executive Committee at the 82nd Annual SC Conservation Partnership Conference held in Myrtle Beach, SC. Setzler will hold this role until January 2026 after which he will be eligible to serve one additional two-year term.
Setzler comes into his role as President with ample experience in locally-led Conservation, as well as statewide conservation efforts. He has served as a Conservation District Commissioner since 2008 through which he has held the roles of Chairman and Vice Chairman for the Newberry Soil and Water Conservation District. Setzler has served as SCACD Vice President and Chair of SCACD’s Legislative Committee for the past four years. Through his leadership in these roles, SCACD has immensely grown the awareness of Conservation Districts with South Carolina Legislators. The next four years under Setzler’s leadership are bound to be extremely impactful for locally-led conservation statewide.
“Since 1937, our local Conservation Districts have been at the forefront of protecting our state’s natural resources. I’m honored to lead this historic group as we continue that tradition. We have many challenges ahead, but with the continued dedication of our Commissioners and staff, as well as the support from our community, legislators, and partners, I’m optimistic that we can continue to protect our most important resources,” Setzler said.
SCACD represents South Carolina’s 46 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Its programs and activities aim to advance locally-led conservation through supporting Soil and Water Conservation Districts to serve landowners, land users, and citizens in their communities. South Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Districts are subdivisions of state government and conform to county boundaries across the state. Each district is unique in programming, but in general, conservation districts serve their community by assisting with the application of conservation practices on the ground, hosting conservation workshops, and providing outreach and education on conservation topics to students in the community. To get involved and learn more about what your local Soil and Water Conservation District offers, visit www.dnr.sc.gov/conservation.