JACKSON – The question posed to the Northampton County Commissioners was whether to stay or to go. More specifically, whether to continue with the Four Rivers Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council or to withdraw participation.

Paul Boone, representing the county’s Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), presented the information to the commissioners during their regular July 3 meeting.

The SWCD Board reviewed information about the Four Rivers Council. Their findings showed that there has only been limited activity within Northampton County, especially in recent years. They have also been unable to find someone willing to represent Northampton County on the RC&D Council.

Commissioner Chester Deloatch had previously served as a representative.

Four Rivers RC&D can only use public property for their projects, said Boone. Their previous projects included assisting with the walking trail behind the J.W. Faison Center and a paddle trail along the river.

Boone also explained, in response to questions from Commissioner Fannie Greene, that Four Rivers does not have the funding from the USDA that they used to have. Their presence in Northampton County is very limited.

Deloatch motioned to withdraw from participation in the Four Rivers Council, and Commissioner Charles Tyner seconded the motion.

Greene commented that she was hesitant to withdraw from something that could possibly be beneficial to the county, but she respected Deloatch’s opinion on the matter based on his past experience with the Council.

The Board voted unanimously to withdraw.