Mark Waller, the Vice Chair of the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District Board and owner and operator of Waller Family Farms, asked residents to think about that while we were honoring Soil and Water Conservation District with a proclamation during Monday night’s Board of County Commissioners Regular Session.

Durham County | From The Desk of the County Manager - January 31, 2025

Mark Waller owns and operates Waller Family Farms.

Farmland Protection Advisory Board

2026 North Carolina General Election

“While that’s a big old long title I have, sometimes I feel like the rider on the back of the horse because these guys (pointing at the Soil and Water staff) do all the work, and we just kind of sit and ride along,” he said. “I challenge you, and anybody else the next time you’re out there and you drink some water out of the fountain. I want you to think about these guys right here. And the next time you go down the road to Falls Lake or Jordan Lake, you think about these people over here. Or if you’re crossing a river, stream, or creek – I guarantee you one or more of these have had their feet probably in there. If you ever come across a farm in Durham County, including my own, I would be happy to show you the conservation practices we’ve implemented over the last 30 years such as terraces, waterways, and underground drainage systems all of which are still active today thanks to the efforts of the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District.”

6. VAD Update – Sherry Scully requested approval for a VAD application for Ali Shackelford (R W Vine LLC) for her 113.8 acres on South Lowell Rd. Mark Waller made a motion to approve the VAD application. Matthew Eagle seconded the motion. The vote in favor was unanimous.

MINUTES (Durham Soil and Water Conservation District — Farmland Protection Advisory Board)

Implemented terraces, waterways, and underground drainage systems on his farm as conservation measures.

Moved to approve an application affecting 113.8 acres on South Lowell Road.

- Implemented terraces, waterways, and underground drainage systems on his farm as conservation measures.
- Moved to approve an application affecting 113.8 acres on South Lowell Road.

Energy & the Environment

As of September 2, 2026, Mark W. Waller did not have a website or any information online.

Administration

Mark W. Waller

- Moved to approve an application affecting 113.8 acres on South Lowell Road.

As of September 2, 2026, Mark W. Waller’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Mauricio Mendez

Buket Urgen

David Harris

- A soil and water conservation district supervisor is 1 member of a board of 5 supervisors that works to improve the soil and water quality in the county through education. 
- The board of supervisors provide technical and financial assistance to help land users maintain their land and surrounding ecosystems. 
- The board of supervisors design long term conservation programs that teach environmental care, pollution reduction, and provide incentives for using these practices, especially for agricultural workers. 
- The board of supervisors provide short term educational services like competitions, field days, and workshops to educate the public on conservation. 
- Soil and water conservation district supervisors are elected to 4 year terms in non-partisan races. However, 2 of the board members are appointed by the state soil and water commission. 

Member of board of supervisors that creates aid programs and educates people on environmental conservation. 