For the second time in six years, the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District received the Area 1 District of the Year Award.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners recognized the department Oct. 15.

Polk soil and water district administrator Sandra Reid said the award is based on getting conservation on the ground.

The Polk district sponsored, managed and implemented more than $137,000 in best management practices and sponsored, managed and implemented more than $230,000 in streambank restorations throughout the county.

Reid said Polk’s district also participated in conservation education by sponsoring classroom presentations, a poster, essay and public speaking contest; sending a high school student to the Resource Conservation Workshop at N.C. State; sponsoring land judging contests and hosting a workshop for conservation educators.

“Our board sits on many state boards and has been instrumental in the forming and shaping of state programs,” Reid said. “They have sponsored many resolutions that have gone through state approval to make our programs better for our citizens. Polk County has a proven record of being a leader throughout the state.”

Reid said Polk County particularly leads the state in farmland preservation and was the first county with an agricultural center.

Reid recognized the soil and water district board of supervisors, including chairman Richard Smith, David Slater, Hubert McEntyre, Charles Dean Edwards and vice-chair Frank Smith who all total 135 years of experience.

Staff members were also recognized and include Stuart Walker, district technician; Patrick McLendon; Ag center director as well as Lynn Sprague, Polk County Agriculture Economic Development Director.