Soil conservation became a national priority because of the Dust Bowl in the 1930's. Soil scientist Hugh Hammond Bennett led efforts to educate legislators, landowners, and the public about the importance of conservation. President Franklin Roosevelt recommended that governors allow landowners in each state to form conservation districts to address problems caused by erosion. In 1937, Coosa River, in North West Georgia, became Georgia's first soil conservation district and the nation's second. There are 40 such districts, whose mandate was later expanded to include water conservation and whose names were changed to soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs). Since conservation districts began in Georgia, the soil and water on two-thirds of the state's 37 million acres have been protected. Walton County joined the Ocmulgee District in 1939 before eventually becoming its own district in 1977. The Walton County SWCD is one of 17 single county districts in the state, giving county residents the benefits of consolidated funds and resources and easier coordination with local governments.