US Geological Survey

Established in 1849, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) is the country s principal conservation agency that protects natural and cultural heritage. The department offers various recreational opportunities and conducts several scientific research activities. It conserves and protects fish and wildlife. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) employs a staff of more than 65,000 individuals and over 235,000 volunteers. The department maintains nearly 2,400 operating locations across the United States and in Puerto Rico. It is responsible for managing a variety of water and underwater resources. The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) protects more than 1,900 endangered and threatened species. The department administers a project called Water for America, which is a multiagency initiative that helps communities meet the increasing demands on limited water supplies through collaborative projects, water conservation technologies and expanded information. In addition, the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) supports projects, such as Birds Forever, National Park Centennial, Improving Indian Education and Healthy Lands.

Since 1969, Central Midlands Council of Governments has been assisting local governments develop local and regional plans within the four midlands counties of Fairfield, Lexington, Newberry and Richland in South Carolina, as well as providing local governments with planning and technical support to improve the quality of life within the region. The council consists of more than 14 member governments and serves over 600,000 people by providing a regional forum that allows local officials to seek out common goals and address regional concerns. Central Midlands Council of Governments provides a variety of local and regional planning services and technical assistance to local governments within the four-county region. The council s services include administration, community and economic development, finance, land use planning, mapping, research and demographics, transportation planning, and aging services. Central Midlands Council of Governments is located in Columbia, S.C.