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
Deadline for room reservations is July 31, 2026.
Group rate is $159/night plus tax and $25 resort fee per night.
The resort fee includes Self-Parking, Two bottles of water, High speed internet access, Daily newspaper (available in lobby), Gift of Friendship (fresh fruit, cookies, seasonal offering) in lobby, Infused water, lemonade, or seasonal beverage in lobby, In-room coffee and tea service, Unlimited local and toll-free calls and long-distance access, Unlimited Fitness Center access.
To make a reservation, call 706-379-9900 and make sure to tell them you are with GACD or use the following link: Georgia Association of Conservation Districts .
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
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 & 2
11-11:45am Breakout 3 & 4
12-1pm Luncheon ( Memorial Service, Service Pin Ceremony, Raffle Drawings)
1:00pm Conference Adjourns
