Over the years, GACD has helped forge key partnerships among federal, state, and local entities all committed to a common goal: wise use and protection of our state’s natural resources.
The GACD Annual Meeting will offer breakout sessions and keynote speakers aimed at providing Conservation District Supervisors and partners with timely education and information. We also will recognize deserving individuals and Districts that have made exceptional contributions to sustaining and protecting our natural resources.
REGISTRATION & HOTEL INFORMATION
**Please Note: This year, the meeting will end on Tuesday after lunch. please refer to the agenda outline on this page for planning purposes.**
Registration Information
Full Registration: $385
Deadline July 31, 2026
Late Registration: $425
Deadline August 14, 2026
Registration ends August 14, 2026. Please note no refunds will be given after July 31st. Full registration includes Sunday welcome reception meal, Monday and Tuesday breakfasts, Tuesday banquet, Monday luncheon, access to classes and one seat on a tour.
Guest Meal Tickets: Welcome Reception $50, Mon & Tues Breakfast $80, Hall of Fame Banquet $65, Luncheon $50, Tour $25
Hotel Reservations
Our room block at Brasstown Valley Resort is full. The overflow room block is located The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge, just two miles from Brasstown Valley Resort. A free shuttle service will go between the resorts.
Deadline for room reservations is August 7, 2026.
Group rate is $139/night plus tax.
To make a reservation, call (706) 896-2262 and make sure to tell them you are with GACD or use the following link: The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge
DISTRICT SUPERVISOR PER DIEM
District Supervisors will receive a $200 per night for 2 nights ($400 total) per diem.
TENTATIVE AGENDA
sunday, August 23rd
4-6pm Registration & Exhibitor Setup
5:00pm GACD Board meeting
6-8pm Welcome Reception / Visit with Exhibitors
monday, August 24th
7-8am Breakfast & Registration & Visit with Exhibitors
8-10am General Session: Welcome, Partner Reports (USDA- NRCS, GSWCC, NACD, RC&D), Keynote Speaker -”The Un-Renewable Resource”- Jeff Manley, Agritourism Consultant
10-10:30am Expo Break/Coffee Break
10:30-11:30am GACD Business Meeting
11:30-12pm Visit with Exhibitors
12-1pm LUNCH ON OWN
1-4pm Tours
Crane Creek Vineyards: Experience the intersection of agriculture, conservation, and agritourism during a guided tour and tasting at Cane Creek Vineyards. Attendees will explore how the vineyard implements conservation practices to protect soil health, manage water resources, and reduce erosion on steep mountain terrain while supporting sustainable wine production. The tour will highlight the unique challenges and opportunities of farming in the north Georgia mountains, followed by a tasting experience that showcases the value of stewardship-driven agritourism in the region.
Young Harris College: See conservation and education in practice. Young Harris College partners with conservation agencies to restore and maintain streambanks, plant gardens, manage campus conservation, and teach students ways to integrate the environment into their studies for future generations. Learn the history of Young Harris College and the impact it has had on so many students.
Lake Chatuge: Join Tennessee Valley Authority for an informative conservation tour of Lake Chatuge highlighting the vital connection between water resources, land stewardship, and regional recreation. Participants will learn how TVA manages water quality, shoreline protection, habitat conservation, and reservoir operations while balancing flood control, power generation, and public use. This experience will showcase conservation partnerships and best management practices that help protect the natural beauty and long-term health of one of north Georgia’s most treasured mountain lakes. A portion of this tour will be via boat.
5-6pm Reception- Cash Bar & Visit with Exhibitors
6-8pm Hall of Fame Awards Banquet-
Speaker: Kennon White, USDA- NRCS Assistant Chief- South Region
Speaker: Tyler J. Harper, Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture
Tuesday, August 25th
7-8am Breakfast & Visit with Exhibitors
8-9:30am General Session:
Panel- Mountain Agritourism in Action featuring Noontootla Creek Farms, Ellijay Mushrooms, Mercier Orchards
District Showcase: Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District/ Flint River Fresh
9:30-10:45am Urban Conservation Committee (UCC) Intro & Planning Session: Georgia's urban and suburban communities face conservation concerns that are different from rural challenges. Come find out how Districts across the state can address urban topics collaboratively with grassroots, solution-focused strategies and participate in next-step planning.
9:30-10:00am Coffee Break
9:30-12:00pm Visit with Exhibitors
10-11am GSWCC Board Meeting
10-12pm GACD Auxiliary Activity
10-10:45am
Breakout 1: Cows on the Hillside: Conservation Grazing in the Blue Ridge- Philip Brown, NRCS & Joe Garner: Managing livestock on steep and diverse mountain landscapes requires careful planning to protect natural resources while maintaining productive operations. This session will explore key considerations for developing an effective conservation grazing system, including stocking rate and carrying capacity, fencing and watering facility design, management of heavy use areas, hay feeding strategies, contingency planning for weather and other challenges, and practical monitoring techniques. Participants will gain insights into balancing livestock production with soil health, water quality, and long-term pasture sustainability in mountain environments.
Breakout 2: Mountain Roots: Cultivating Flowers & Caring for the Land- Jennifer Logan, Whimsy Flower Farm & Jane Wilson, Farm at 180: Join two North Georgia flower farmers as they share how healthy soils and thoughtful water conservation practices help their flower farms thrive. Through stories and lessons learned in the field, Jennifer and Jane will discuss soil-building techniques, irrigation, pollinator support, and other conservation-minded practices that improve the health of the land while producing beautiful blooms. They will also share how their businesses have evolved over the years as priorities have changed, and how those changes have shaped both their farms and the experience it offers visitors. Together, they’ll explore how conservation and agritourism can work hand in hand to create thriving farms and lasting community connections.
11-11:45am
Breakout 3: Purposeful Planning: Tools to Do Housing Development Differently- Katherine Moore & Nick Johnson- Georgia Conservancy & Tom O'Bryant, City of Cleveland: Georgia is a desirable state to live in because it has it all: bustling economic centers, plentiful natural resources, spectacular scenery, and a high quality of life. North Georgia’s mountain communities, especially, have seen an uptick in growth since 2020, when COVID caused a major shift in household priorities and residential preferences. Rather than a growth “explosion,” most development decisions have happened incrementally over time—but the cumulative effect has raised concerns about losing the beloved character of mountain communities. This session will discuss the need for well-managed growth, highlighting statewide trends and principles of both growth and conservation. The session will also explore several tools, policies, and resources that can help communities make defensible decisions about where and how to channel growth, especially through prudent investments in infrastructure. With these tools, mountain communities can better ensure their economic growth without losing what makes them special.
Breakout 4: District 101- Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission Staff: Learn more about basic responsibilities, opportunities and functions of a Soil and Water District. Ever wonder why your Conservation Manager asks your district to do certain things? Want to know more about the relationship between your district and GSWCC? Interested in improving your knowledge of district functions? Come join us for a basic course on all things districts.
12-1pm Luncheon ( Memorial Service, Service Pin Ceremony, Raffle Drawings)
1:00pm Conference Adjourns
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We have fulfilled all Exhibit booths that we have room for.
