COOSA RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

On September 13, 1937, the Coosa River Conservation District was organized as a legal subdivision of the Georgia State Government. Coosa River is one of 40 Conservation Districts across the state and represents Bartow, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Paulding, Polk and Walker Counties. Coosa River Conservation District exists to serve the public and to ensure a healthy and productive environment. For this reason, the District’s task is to work for the wellbeing of all people while safeguarding land, water, and related natural resources for the benefit of future generations. The District offers support to local government for their Erosion and Sedimentation programs through education programs and overviews. The District also supports youth in by providing soil and water stewardship materials to schools and education centers, supports the local RC&D councils and their programs including the no-till drill program.

INTRODUCING OUR NEW SUPERVISORS

November 8, 2022 — CHAZ HOLT (BARTOW COUNTY) & JORDON FUQUEA (GORDON COUNTY) ELECTED TO COOSA RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Charles “Chaz” Holt of Taylorsville was elected on November 8, 2022 to represent Bartow County for the Coosa River Soil and Water Conservation District. He will serve the Conservation District for a four-year term beginning January 1, 2023. Chaz is a Certified Crop Advisor serving the Southern U.S. and a Precision Agriculture and Conservation Specialist with Quail Forever. He and his wife own Holt Heritage Farm where they sell local beef, vegetables, herbs, and herbal body care products. They practice regenerative agriculture and incorporate many conservation practices on their land. One such practice is dedicating space for pollinator gardens across their farm. These wildflower gardens are not only beautiful to look at, but they also provide vital habitat for Georgia’s pollinator species while helping increase harvest and seed production through the process of pollination.

Chaz Holt will represent Bartow County for the Coosa River Conservation District

Jordon Fuquea of Calhoun was also elected on November 8, 2022 to represent Gordon County for the Coosa River Soil and Water Conservation District. He will serve the Conservation District for a four-year term beginning January 1, 2023. A lifelong Calhoun resident, Jordon fostered a love for conservation work during his time at Dalton State College where he assisted with watershed and trail cleanups, worked with local organizations to raise awareness of lead in soils, and engaged with his local community. Jordan states “I am eager to engage Gordon County residents and community organizations in stewarding our lands and streams, and bringing Gordon County towards a more sustainable future.”

Jordon Fuquea will represent Gordon County for the Coosa River Conservation District

FERAL SWINE CONTROL SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENT

May 6, 2021—The Coosa River Conservation District is excited to announce the launch of their Feral Swine Trapping Program. Landowners located within Bartow, Chattooga, Dade, Floyd, Gordon, Paulding, Polk and Walker Counties are invited to participate in the District’s feral swine control services.

Feral swine have become increasingly detrimental in Georgia, causing significant damage to agricultural crops and natural resources throughout the state. The economic impact of damage caused by feral swine in Georgia is estimated at over $150 million. Feral swine are one of the greatest invasive species challenges facing Georgia.

The Coosa River Conservation District serves as the local voice for soil and water conservation. In order to offer relief to landowners struggling with the invasive feral swine, the District purchased a Boar Buster Trapping System and contracted with a Hog Control Custodian to operate the system throughout the District. The fees are as follows:

$250 Set up/Monitoring Fee includes remote usage on-site for a minimum of two weeks. After two weeks, the landowner may renegotiate terms for additional compensation. Additional reimbursement fee for mileage at $0.56 per mile.

If you are interested in hog control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Billy Edwards (Floyd County, GA) at (770) 548-1081 or (706) 290-9979.

FLYER

Supervisors

Jordon Fuquea, Gordon County

Milton Stewart, Gordon County

Nora Goodman, Paulding County

Doug Sowar, Paulding County

David Jackson, Polk County

Tracy Cooper-Grice, Polk County

James Burton, Walker County

Brian Hart, Walker County

Chairman Davis Nelson, Bartow County

Chaz Holt, Bartow County

Greg Hurley, Chattooga County

Stacy Gray, Chattooga County

Larry Williams, Dade County

Loyd Gass, Dade County

Thad Rush, Floyd County

VACANT, Floyd County

DISTRICT PROJECTS AND EVENTS

Student-Oriented Sponsorship

Coosa River Conservation District partnered with a local Boy Scout Troop to help The Silver Creek Presbyterian Church with erosion on their stream bank. The District donated money for the Boy Scout Troop to purchase native plants to plant on the stream bank where erosion is beginning to occur.

School Garden / Outdoor Classroom

Coosa River Conservation District participated in Agriculture Days at schools in Gordon, Dade, Walker, Chattooga, and Floyd Counties. The District presented demonstrations to show the students the importance of conserving and taking care of the watershed they live in.

The District also provided the funds for Gordon Central High School in Gordon County to purchase a hoop house used by students to grow plants and vegetables.