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.

Events

GA AGENCIES TO HOST FERAL SWINE WORKSHOP AND TRAPPING DEMONSTRATION

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 $150 million. A group of agricultural and natural resource organizations are partnering to bring Georgia’s top experts on feral swine together in a series of educational workshops for farmers and landowners.

Partnering agencies will host a workshop and trapping demonstration on May 22, 2024, at Madison County High School located at 600 Madison Street, Danielsville, GA 30633. The workshop will be in the evening from 5:00 to 8:45pm with dinner provided and is sponsored by the Broad River Conservation District, Hall County Conservation District and Oconee River Conservation District and Madison County Young Farmers and will be hosted by Madison County Young Farmers.

Topics will include disease issues, swine biology, economics, water quality issues, effective control techniques, transport issues, and regulations to be followed by a question-and-answer panel of experts. Each workshop will also include a feral swine trapping demonstration.

Partnering agencies for this effort include the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Wildlife Services, Georgia Association of Conservation Districts, Georgia Department of Natural Resources - Wildlife Resources Division, Georgia Department of Agriculture, and University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources.

There is no cost to attend the workshops, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required. More details and registration information are available at www.GACD.us/events.

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District Supervisors

Featured

William "Dewey" Johnson, Chairman

Jackson County

Mr. Johnson has been elected since 2008. 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, Chaplain

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

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

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.

EVENTS

Meeting Information

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

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