The Board of Directors from the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) and Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD) celebrated the opportunity to meet jointly in conjunction with the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop held last week in Tifton, GA. Against the backdrop of high-schoolers from all across Georgia learning about our state’s natural resources, Board members had the opportunity learn from each other about ongoing organizational efforts to improve the conservation and management of those very same resources.
“It’s been far too long since our members have been able to sit down in the same room to talk, learn and fellowship,” said Bob Martin, Chair of GSWCC. “We plan to make similar joint meetings a regular occurrence and look forward to building on these initial conversations.”
Board members and staff from GSWCC and GACD also took time to discuss and assign specific action items necessary to meet the near-term needs of Conservation Districts around the state as well as develop a set of foundational elements that may be used in establishing a more formal partnership agreement in the future.
“Each organization has a role to play in supporting Districts and promoting conservation around our state,” said Mark Masters, President of GACD. “Establishing a clear framework that allows each of us to make the most of our limited resources is in the best interest of our members, the state, external partners and, importantly, the natural resources we’re engaged to protect and conserve.”
Throughout the day, Board members were also able to hear updates from organizers and participants with the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop. Sponsored in part by GACD and in partnership with GSWCC and a host of other state and federal entities, the Workshop is celebrating its 60th year of educating high school students on the value, protection, and conservation of Georgia’s wildlife, forestry, mining, soil and water resources. Hosted by Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, the Workshop provides students with a taste of college life while delivering valuable insight into conservation careers through their counselors and instructors.
“It was encouraging to hear how engaged the students have been in this year’s class,” said Tabatha Wooten, Vice President of GACD. “The Workshop is a good reminder of what can be accomplished through organizational cooperation and partnership.”
For more information on the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop or other GACD sponsored programs and activities, visit https://www.gacd.us/ or contact us using the information below. Visit https://gaswcc.georgia.gov/ for information on GSWCC or reach out using contact information also provided below.
For more information:
Georgia Association of Conservation Districts
(833) 411-4223
info@gacd.us
Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission
(706) 552-4470
gaswcc.swcd@ga.gov
Pictured left to right: Jake Ford, GACD Secretary (Berrien County); Bob Martin, GSWCC Chair (Irwin County); Kerry Van Moore, GSWCC (Coffee County); Tabatha Wooten, GACD Vice President (Jeff Davis County); Vikki Consiglio GSWCC/GACD Treasurer (Henry County); Brian Ponder, GACD (Tift County); Woody Snell, GACD (Cobb County); Mark Masters, GACD President (Terrell County); John Redding, GACD (Walton County). Not pictured but participating remotely: Jerry Holcomb, GACD (Liberty County); Jason Winters, GSWCC (Chattooga County); Edwin Nix, GSWCC (White County).
GACD and GSWCC Board members and staff with the 2021 Natural Resource Conservation Workshop participants.