Established by the Florida Legislature, the Gilchrist Soil & Water Conservation District, a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida, was established October 9, 1945 under Florida Statutes 582 by local residents for the purpose of promoting and encouraging the wise use, management and general conservation of the County’s soil, water and related natural resources. The District is committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Gilchrist County through conservation of its natural resources.

The Gilchrist Soil & Water Conservation District works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Florida Department of Agriculture - Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP) creating ways to conserve water, prevent soil erosion, convert irrigation systems and inform the public about conservation problems.