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.

York County Forever Celebrates 25 Years


York County Forever 25th Anniversary Celebration

Please join us for a Celebration in recognition of 25 years of success for the York County Forever Commission.

Saturday, September 30, 2023 

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

Catawba Bend Preserve, 3271 Neely Store Rd., Rock Hill, SC

This family-friendly event will include a “sneak peek” at our new county park, plus music, nature walks, children’s activities, and free ice cream.  A brief presentation will be made at 11:00 a.m.  Cheers to 25 years -- 1998 – 2023!

More details will be posted on York County S.C. social media (Facebook, Instagram and TwitterX).  

 Questions?  Please call Trish DeHond 803-909-7221 or email [email protected]

Download invitation/flyer in .pdf format

Conservation Projects

Through land acquisition, purchase of development rights, and conservation easements, YCF has assisted in the preservation of approximately 11,000 acres of unique York County resources, including the following properties:

  • Catawba Bend Preserve -  This 1900-acre site at the bend of the Catawba River, east of Rock Hill, is a former Bowater research site, with several hundred acres of mature loblolly pines, floodplain forests, trails and with several ponds and fields.  In 2021, York County Council approved a master plan for development of the site as a nature park.
  • Kirsh Wildlife Management Area - Located near Sharon, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources manages this property, which is open daily for a variety of outdoor recreational activities.  
  • Nanny's Mountain - This 92-acre historic park is home to Revolutionary War era iron ore mines.  Hiking trails lead to a picnic shelter at the top of the monadnock, which offers unique views of the Lake Wylie community.  York County is currently developing a master plan, to include picnic tables, benches and some fencing.  
  • 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 Wildlife Management Area - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources manages this area with over 1,600 acres of open space. Located along the Broad River near Hickory Grove, the property 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 and stormwater management
  • Protect wildlife and vegetation
Community Benefits

  • Promote healthy lifestyle
  • Provide low-cost recreation
  • Manage growth responsibly
  • Improve quality of life

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. If there are current vacancies, we welcome you to serve as a YCF Commissioner in your county council district.  To fill out an application to be considered as a commissioner, please use the blue "APPLY" button in the upper right-hand corner of the YCF Commission website.  
Commissioner
District
Date Appointed
Term
Expires
Nichol Druckemiller
(Chairman)
1
04/05/2018
2nd
04/04/2024
Don Love
2
07/18/2022
1st
07/17/2025
Donny Mitchell
3
06/17/2019
2nd
06/16/2025
Dr. Robert E. Carter
4
10/17/2022
1st
10/16/2025
Johnny Walker 
 (Vice Chairman)
5
02/23/2017
2nd
09/02/2024
Dr. Ron Parks
6
08/18/2021
1st
08/17/2024
-VACANT-
7
-
-
-
Carey Tilley
Ex-officio
Culture & Heritage Commission
02/18/2021
1st
02/17/2024
Steve Hamilton
Ex-officio
Nation Ford Land Trust
06/17/2019
1st
06/16/2022