ALAPAHA CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Alapaha Conservation District was organized on November 10, 1943, and comprises Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes Counties. Two District Supervisors from each county serve on a 12-member Board of Directors. Each county has an elected and appointed Supervisor serving a 4 and 2 year term respectfully.
By written agreement with and at the request of the Alapaha District, NRCS provides professional conservationists to help implement the District's long-range conservation programs. The Alapaha District channels the services of NRCS to cooperators, individuals, groups, and units of government - and sets priorities for the implementation of conservation practices.
News
April 26, 2023: O.C. PRINCE OF ECHOLS COUNTY HONORED FOR 31 YEARS OF SERVICE TO ALAPAHA RIVER SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
O.C Prince of Echols County was recently honored for his 31 years of service as a District Supervisor and Chairman position for the Alapaha River Soil and Water Conservation District. He was presented a certificate on April 26th, 2023, at the district meeting. The district thanked him for his past and future years of service.
Owen Cranford “OC” Prince graduated Lake Park High School where he played basketball and was class valedictorian. A native of Grady he settled in Echols County during high school and after graduation he began a life of farming. In the 1960s he took a job with Blossman Gas to supplement his farming income. For 25 plus years he served the LP Gas needs of the farmers of North Florida and South Georgia. He understands and promotes farming practices that prevent erosion and conserve water on the family land. Since his full-time retirement, he enjoys working with farmers and promoting conservation practices.
Upcoming District Events:
2025 Poster Contest
The Alapaha Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), a local agency dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of the area’s natural resources, is now accepting entries for their Poster Contest for students located within the District’s service area. The service area includes Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Echols, Lanier and Lowndes Counties. Education is a critical element of the conservation effort at the local, state and national levels. Educating young people about the benefits of conservation helps to ensure the next generation will be wise stewards of America’s natural resources.
The annual Poster Contest provides public, private and homeschooled students in K thru 12th grades the chance to have their art selected to advance on to the state contest. Prizes will be awarded for the top three winners in each age category. Each year, the poster topic reflects National Association of Conservation District’s annual Stewardship theme and highlights the work of Conservation Districts to protect and enhance natural resources. This year’s theme “Home is Where the Habitat is” highlights the essential role of both natural and managed habitats in our conservation efforts. The deadline to enter the contest is March 28, 2025.
District Supervisors
Supervisor Tim Hughes – Echols County
Supervisor Jake Ford, Chairman – Berrien County
Supervisor Harold (Hal) Simpson – Cook County
Supervisor William (B) Darsey – Lanier County
Supervisor Derrell (Derry) Bennett – Cook County
Not Pictured:
Supervisor Michael Railey– Clinch County
Supervisor David Pike – Lowndes County
Supervisor Tommy Moore– Lowndes County
Supervisor Carlos Vickers – Berrien County
Mark Corbett - Echols County
Rodney Sirmans - Lanier County
Supervisor Vacancy - Clinch County
district services
Feral Swine Control
No-Till Drill
Meeting Information
The Alapaha Conservation District meets the second Wednesday bimonthly at 10am. The location changes. Please reach out to Katelyn Poppell 386-205-5508 or katelyn.poppell@gacd.us for the meeting date and location.