York County Forever

Preserving Our Past & Protecting Our Future


Over time, the loss of open space, population growth, and infringing development led to increasing citizen concern that York County's picturesque scenery and cherished way of life were vanishing. Faced with the need to manage growth responsibly, protect exceptional resources, and preserve unique character, the York County Council created the York County Forever Commission (YCF) in 1998 to serve as the county's land conservation organization. York County Forever's mission is to promote and protect significant natural, cultural, historic, and environmental resources.

Conservation Projects

Through acquisition, purchase of development rights, and conservation easements, YCF has assisted in the preservation of approximately 10,583 acres of unique York County resources, including the following properties:

  • Riverbend Property - This 1,900 acre site is found at the bend of the Catawba River, east of Rock Hill. A former Bowater research site, the property possesses several hundred acres of mature long-leaf pines with several ponds and fields.  
  • Kirsh Wildlife Management Area - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources manages this area with over 600 acres of natural and scenic open space. This property, located near Sharon, is open daily for a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
  • Nanny's Mountain - A 92 acre monadnock with Revolutionary War era iron ore mines and unique views of the Lake Wylie community.
  • White Home - One of the oldest homes in Rock Hill, the property has been restored and is open for tours and special events.
  • Worth Mountain - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources manages this area with over 1,600 acres of open space. The property is located along the Broad River and is open daily for hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreational activities.

Why should we preserve our resources?

Economic Benefits
  • Increase Property Values
  • Attract New Business & Industry
  • Reduce Cost of Services
  • Stimulate Local Economy
Environmental Benefits
  • Pollution Control
  • Floodplain-Stormwater Management
  • Protect Wildlife & Vegetation
Community Benefits
  • Promote Healthy Lifestyle
  • Provide Low-Cost Recreation
  • Manage Growth Responsibly
  • Improve Quality of Life

Land Conservation Information

Learn more about land conservation through York County Forever below.

The Resource Newsletter

The York County Forever quarterly newsletter shares the latest in Commission and conservation news, and is available for viewing below.

York County Forever Commissioners

A Commissioner is appointed by York County Council to represent each of the seven council districts.  Commissioners are appointed to three year terms and are eligible to serve two consecutive terms.  Representatives from Nation Ford Land Trust and the Culture & Heritage Commission also serve as ex-officio Commissioners.
Commissioner
District
Date Appointed
Term
Expires
Nichol Druckemiller
(Vice Chair)
1
2018
1st
2021
Grace Fowler
2
2020
1st
2023
Donny Mitchell
3
2019
1st
2022
Ryan Murray
4
2020
1st
2023
Johnny Walker
5
2017
1st
2021
Lindsay Walker (Chair)
6
2015
2nd
2021
Creighton Hayes
7
2018
1st
2021
Carey Tilley
Ex-officio
Cultural & Heritage Commission
  
2021
Steve Hamilton
Ex-officio
Nation Ford Land Trust
  
2022