The Soil and Water Conservation Movement started nation wide as a result of the poorly managed use of the land in the 1930's. All parts of the country were plagued by critical erosion problems such as the devastating "Dust Bowl" of the mid-west. During this time legislation enabled the creation of a soil conservation movement.

In 1937 North Carolina enacted the Soil Water Conservation District Law and the first Soil and Water Conservation District in the nation was organized in the Piedmont section of the state. Today there is a Conservation District in all 50 states. The purpose of Soil and Water Conservation District was to prove that locally organized units of government could develop conservation programs that can work for the local needs.

On August 26, 1952 the Yancey Soil and Water Conservation District was created by the local landowners, who saw a need for local conservation efforts. This was done after a petition was filed and approval given by the state. The first District Supervisors were Carlie Rice and James B. Stamey. They, along with other individuals and agency personnel, were instrumental in the creation of the Yancey District.