Natural Resources

The Natural Resources Department works to sustain and improve the natural resources of Gaston County through regulatory, voluntary and education programs. This department works in conjunction with the Gaston Soil and Water Conservation District Board, to establish and develop soil and water conservation programs within Gaston County.   Regulatory programs include the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance and the Stormwater Ordinance. These regulate stormwater runoff from construction sites and from developed sites. Voluntary programs include the Volunteer Agricultural District and Enhanced Volunteer Agriculture District, plus many state and federal programs. Education programs include but are not limited to Conservation Contests, Envirothon, and classroom visits.

Purpose

We serve the people of Gaston County by protecting and improving their soil, water, air, plant, and wildlife resources through conservation planning, engineering, education, and regulatory programs.

Natural Resources Director

Dean Parker aka 'Deano' joined Gaston County's Department of Natural Resources in May of 1995, after 4 years working for the NC Forest Service. He has served most roles in his department over the past 25 years. He is a native of Sylva, NC, where he graduated from Haywood Community College, and later completed course work in Civil Engineering from UNC-Charlotte. He considers it an honor to be a servant leader, and enjoys managing and conserving our natural resources.