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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 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
Land Conservation Information
Learn more about land conservation through York County Forever below.
- York County Forever Informational Flyer (2-page PDF)
- York County Forever Landowner Interest Fact Sheet including conservation process (1-page PDF)
- YCF Land Conservation Presentation (PDF)
- YCF Land Conservation Terminology (PDF)
- Conservation Easement information from Nation Ford Land Trust (22-page full color PDF)
- Conservation Easement Tax Incentive Information from the Land Trust Alliance (4-page full color PDF)
- Landowner Statement of Interest Form to initiate Property Conservation Process (1-page PDF)
Land Conservation Coloring Pages
Children and adults enjoy "Coloring for Conservation" with our interactive exhibits at recent local events.
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 apply, please use the "Join This Board" button on the YCF Commission website. | Commissioner | District |
Date Appointed |
Term |
Expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nichol Druckemiller (Chairman) |
1 |
04/05/2018 |
2nd |
04/04/2024 |
| **VACANT** | 2 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Donny Mitchell | 3 |
06/17/2019 |
2nd |
06/16/2025 |
| **VACANT** | 4 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
| Johnny Walker (Vice Chairman) |
5 |
02/23/2017 |
2nd |
09/02/2024 |
| Ron Parks | 6 |
08/18/2021 |
1st |
08/17/2024 |
| Creighton Hayes | 7 |
04/02/2018 |
2nd |
12/31/2022 |
| Carey Tilley | Ex-officio |
Culture & Heritage Commission |
02/17/2024 |
|
| Steve Hamilton | Ex-officio |
Nation Ford Land Trust |
06/16/2025 |