OCONEE RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

The Oconee River Conservation District services Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, and Oconee counties. The 6th Conservation District in Georgia to be established, this region is known for its bountiful resources, abundant agricultural land, and for its role as a gateway to explore the North Georgia Mountains. The District is also home to both the Sandy Creek Watershed in Athens, and the Marbury Creek Watershed, part of the popular Fort Yargo State Park. The Oconee River Conservation District is dedicated to agricultural and environmental education and stewardship in our communities, as well as the use of proven and emerging technologies in conservation and agricultural sustainability.

Services

Events

GACD, GSWCC and Oconee River Conservation District Partnering for Soil Health Workshop in Jefferson

September 03, 2025 – The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts (GACD), Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) and the Oconee River Soil and Water Conservation District are partnering to present a free informational workshop for managing soil health and grazing production for anyone who wants to learn correct practices.

Join us to learn more about soil health practices such as nutrient balance, hay production, and soil erosion control in hay fields. In addition, information on farm programs will be presented. The partnering agency for this event is USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The event is sponsored by the Chestatee-Chattahoochee River RC&D Council.

The event will be held on October 29, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Johnson Angus Farm located at 2738 Cedar Grove Church Road, Jefferson, GA 30549. Lunch will be served. This is a free event but registration is required online at www.gacd.us/events. The registration deadline is October 22, 2025.

The Oconee River Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that directs natural resource management programs in Jackson, Barrow, Clarke, and Oconee 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 at www.gacd.us/oconeeriver.

register her

News

Oconee River Conservation District Offering Feral Swine Control Services

June 30, 2025: 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 Oconee River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is a unit of state government that directs natural resource management programs throughout the district. The Conservation District works with producers, 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.

In order to offer relief to producers and landowners struggling with invasive feral swine, the Conservation District has acquired a trapping system to provide control services throughout Oconee River SWCD which includes Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, and Oconee Counties. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact the District’s Hog Control Custodian, Justin Jacobs at justinferalhogcontrol@gmail.com or 706-707-8033.

More information can be found at www.gacd.us/oconeeriver.

District Supervisors

Featured

William "Dewey" Johnson

Jackson County

Mr. Johnson has been elected since 2009. He is the son of Jimmy and Ruth Johnson. He is married to Robynn and they have one son, Nathan who is active in the farming operation.

Dewey is a graduate of Jefferson High School and the University of Georgia. He served as an Agriculture Teacher at Jackson County Comprehensive for 10 years.

Currently, Dewey is at the helm of Johnson Centennial Farm, a beef cattle operation, established 1871.

Janice Marable, Treasurer

Oconee County

An Oconee County native, she graduated from Oconee County High School and attended the University of Georgia. Janice began work at the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission in 1978. She retired in 2009 as Administrative Operations Manager. Janice was elected in 2010 to serve as a supervisor. Janice also serves as District Treasurer, and is a member of Oconee River Resource Conservation and Development Council, and the Watkinsville Garden Club.

Tony Embrick

Jackson County

Mr. Embrick serves as the appointed supervisor for Jackson County and has been in the position since April 2010. He retired from teaching agricultural education for 29 years in Jackson and Banks counties. Tony is a member of the Jackson County Farm Bureau, Jackson county FFA alumni, and Georgia Retired Teachers Association. He attended Gainesville College and UGA. Tony and his wife, Sheila, have been married for 38 years. They have one son, Gavin, who is a graduate of the Georgia State University and a daughter, Elise, a graduate of Emmanuel College.

Eli Garrett, Chaplain

Oconee County

Eli Garrett is a lifelong Oconee County resident. Experience he gained in the family’s cattle and row crop operation transitioned into active participation in the National FFA Organization where he was an American FFA degree recipient and national finalist in the Environmental Science and Natural Resources Proficiency area. Though no longer farming on a large scale, Eli uses his background in natural resources as a GA-EPD Certified Landfill Operator.

Ray Rozier

Clarke County

Ray Rozier Sr. was born in Bulloch county, Georgia. He is one of 12 children. Ray lived the majority of his life on the farm. He has been no stranger to soil and water conservation when he was urged by Mr. Julius Abraham, Assistant Principal of Statesboro High, to apply for a position with SCS. In 1977, Ray started as a technician in Sylvania. He is married to May Rozier; they have four children. He has worked in Screven, Cordele, Crisp, Lincoln, Houston, Elbert, Oglethorpe, and Gwinnett. In August of 2012, he retired from NRCS after 35 years of service. Since retirement, he has served o the Clarke County Board of Equalization.

Fred Smith

Clarke County

Recently retired as a District Director of the Georgia Department of Labor, Fred has 30 years of experience in programs which support individuals, families and communities. Born in 1953 on a farm in Watkinsville, he later moved to Athens' Jack R. Wells public housing community. Fred graduated from Clarke Central High in 1971 and earned his BA in Sociology from Paine College in Augusta. Later, he received his Master’s in Journalism from UGA.

He is a member of New Grove Baptist Church, where he serves as a deacon. He worked more than 17 years with the State Department of Community Affairs where he was State Coordinator of Family Self- Sufficiency Program and an area administrator in the department's rental assistance division.

Robert McLocklin, Chairman

Barrow County

Mr. McLocklin was raised on a farm that spans generations. His family was instrumental in beginning some of the programs and trucking agencies serving today’s farmers. McLocklin Farms created a Co-Op which became Farmers Mutual Exchange/Gold Kist. Cotton, cows, and chickens were the focus of the 700-800 acre farm. As conservation practices were being put into place across the country, McLocklin Farms, utilized terracing practices and grassed waterways to control water flow. Mr. McLocklin plans to bring conservation programs to the local schools and to encourage the next generation to be involved in conservation efforts through the Oconee River SWCD. Mr. McLocklin moved from land farming into retail farm efforts and spent his working career there. He currently produces Hickory nuts on his small 10 acre farm. He sat on the Barrow County Planning Commision Board for a number of years before retiring. His current work includes collecting data for pear growers like USA Pears and sharing that information with local schools.

Russ Wilburn

Barrow County

Russ Wilburn is a Barrow County farmer who is dedicated to conservation practices which protects the land of our farms and communities for future generations and to give his children the opportunity to farm as they grow. Wilburn is the Barrow County Farm Bureau Board President and a District Representative of the Farm Bureau State Board representing 17 counties. He also represents Barrow County on the Farm Service Agency County Committee. Wilburn looks forward to representing Barrow County on the Oconee River SWCD and is excited to share his knowledge with the District.

Meeting Information

The Oconee River Conservation District meets the second Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m. at 90 Lanthier Street, Winder, GA.

useful links and further information