OCMULGEE RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
During the 1930s Dust Bowl disaster, Congress passed legislation declaring soil and water conservation a national policy and priority. In 1937 President Roosevelt wrote to state governors recommending legislation that would allow local landowners to form soil conservation districts. The Commission, established by the General Assembly in 1937, is charged with and empowered to provide guidance, coordination, and assistance to the district. Their primary goal is to provide maximum protection to Georgia’s soil and water resources.
The Ocmulgee River Conservation District was organized on February 10, 1938, and comprises Bibb, Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Taylor, and Wilcox Counties. The District channels the services of NRCS to cooperators, individuals, groups, and units of government, and sets priorities for the implementation of conservation practices.
OCMULGEE RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR EDUCATION GRANT
Perry, GA August 21, 2024—The Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), a local agency dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of the area’s natural resources, will be awarding funds through their Environmental and Agricultural Education Grant to educators and other organizations located within the District’s service area. The service area includes Bibb, Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Taylor, and Wilcox counties. The purpose of the grant is to promote agriculture and natural resources education objectives.
Educators at schools within the service area grades Pre-K through 12th grade and other agricultural or natural resources-based entities are encouraged to apply for project funding up to $1,000. Grant funding requests can include, but are not limited to, tools, books, software, lab equipment, field trips, and development of natural resources areas like gardens or nature trails. Application and more information is available at www.gacd.us/ocmulgeeriver . The application deadline is September 30, 2024. Grant recipients will be notified in October and should receive the funds no later than the end of December. For questions, contact Leanne Hopper at leanne.chafn@gacd.us or 706-436-7683.
FERAL HOG PERIMETER FENCING GRANT
LOCAL BIBB COUNTY STUDENT WINS POSTER CONTEST
Perry, GA November 7, 2023—The Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), a local agency dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of the area’s natural resources, held their Poster Contest in September for students located within the District’s service area. The service area includes Bibb, Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Taylor, and Wilcox 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 winner of the Poster Contest is Hannah Kim of Bibb County. Hannah is a fourth grader at Springdale Elementary in the Bibb County School District. Hannah will receive a cash prize for designing the winning Poster as well as advance on to the State Contest.
The Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that directs natural resource management programs in Bibb, Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Taylor, and Wilcox counties. The Conservation District works with farmers, landowners, and with other units of government to educate and actively promote programs and practices that support the conservation, and use and development of soil, water, and related resources. More information can be found atwww.gacd.us/ocmulgeeriver.
Supervisors
Lindsay “Doc” Holiday (Chairman), Bibb County
Donald Newberry (treasurer), Bibb County
Dee Martin (Supervisor), Crawford County
Blake Reid (Supervisor), Dooly County
BEN HARRIS (Supervisor), Dooly County
Sam Morton (Supervisor), Houston County
Gary Slaton (Supervisor), Macon County
Jacob Turner (Supervisor), Peach County
Neal Hancock (Supervisor), Peach County
Robert Lancaster (Supervisor), Pulaski County
David Bishop (Supervisor), Pulaski County
Jack McGlaun (Supervisor), Taylor County
Larry Stubbs (Supervisor), Wilcox County
Tim Bloodworth (Supervisor), Wilcox County
District Supervisor Vacancies
Crawford County - Appointed
Houston County - Appointed
Macon County - Elected
Taylor County - Elected
District events
Featured Accomplishments
· Maintained Memoranda of Understanding with NRCS and Farm Service Agency
· Furnished assistance in developing sound conservation plans and practices.
· Membership in GACD and NACD.
· Cooperated with Pine Country RC&D Council in use of conservation tillage equipment.
· Sponsored Soil and Water Stewardship Week Poster Contest for middle school students.
· Sponsored the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop at ABAC.
· Reviewed erosion and sedimentation control plans as required by state law.
· Co-sponsored Advanced Irrigation Workshop with Central Georgia S&WCD.
· Signed off on CRP, EQIP, CSP, and other projects.
· Set priorities with NRCS local work groups.
DISTRICT SERVICES
The Ocmulgee River Conservation District is excited to announce their participation in the Georgia Association of Conservation Districts’ (GACD) Feral Swine District Initiative. Landowners located within Bibb, Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Taylor, and Wilcox 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.
Following an Initiative spearheaded by the Brier Creek Conservation District, Conservation Districts throughout Georgia are partnering with GACD to acquire feral swine control equipment and are contracting with local Hog Control Custodians to eradicate feral swine within the District.
Due to the tremendous financial and informational assistance of GACD, the Ocmulgee River Conservation District has been able to purchase a Pig Brig feral hog trapping system for our District. Feral hogs have caused tremendous damage to crops, to our land and landscapes, as well as polluting our water resources. Through this program, they hope to be part of controlling and eradicating these hogs.
The Ocmulgee River Conservation District serves as the local voice for soil and water conservation with producers and landowners in Bibb, Crawford, Dooly, Houston, Macon, Peach, Pulaski, Taylor, and Wilcox counties.
If you are interested in hog control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodians,
Ryan Talton - 706-897-0087; r_talton@hotmail.com
Lane Spence - 478-808-6362
Meeting Information
The Ocmulgee River Conservation District meets the first Thursday of every month, excluding the month of May and October, at 6:00 p.m. at the Houston County Government Building, 2030 Kings Chapel Rd., Perry, GA
District Personnel
Leanne Hopper, GACD Regional Program Manager Southwest GA
leanne.chafin@gacd.us
706-436-7683