(Above): On top of Bell Mountain in Hiawassee, Georgia. Photo taken by Irenee Payne.
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Blue Ridge Mountain Conservation District, including Fannin, Rabun, Towns and Union Counties, is a legal subdivision of State Government. Since October 19, 1951 the District has provided an organization which can legally make the most effective use of technical assistance, funds appropriated and contributions made for the conservation of our natural resources.
The District board continues its leadership role in conservation education. As always, the District's most important educational activity is sponsoring students to the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop (NRCW). The Board solicits sponsors for students and provided bus transportation to and from the Workshop. The Board also feels it is important that lawmakers be shown Conservation Practices and that a discussion of conservation issues be held. Conservation Tours and discussions with federal and state lawmakers are held to further advance the goals of the District and conservation. Many programs are held in local schools and at colleges. Several programs are given at civic, social and church functions. An area of education of great importance to the District is of self education.
news
Retired District Supervisor and Chairman of the Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District, Rev., Dr. John Kay, was the recipient of the Holman Award for 2024. The evening was celebrated by many friends and family, current District Supervisors, friends from partnering agencies, Chestatee-Chattahoochee RC&D, NRCS, UGA Extension, and GACD. Congratulations to Dr. Kay on this wonderful recognition!
Pictured: Virginia Palmer, Damon Davenport, Ann Stanley, Current Chairman, Mickey Cummings, Former Chairman, Rev. Dr. John Kay, Bill Enloe, Frank Riley, Michael Wiggins, Wayne Swanson, and Jacob Williams.
Blue Ridge Mountain Conservation District Awards 2023 Olin Hughes Memorial Scholarship
Blairsville, Georgia – The Blue Ridge Mountain Conservation District has awarded the Olin Hughes Memorial Scholarship to Emma McConnell of Union County. She is a Sophomore attending The University of Georgia pursuing a Major in Animal and Dairy Science and a Minor Ag Business Management and Food and Fiber Marketing.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that manages and directs natural resource management programs in Fannin, Rabun, Towns and Union Counties. The District works with farmers, landowners, homeowners, 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/blueridgemountain.
events
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN CONSERVATION DISTRICT NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR PHOTO CONTEST
Blairesville, GA, February 05, 2024—The Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), a local agency dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of the area’s natural resources, is now accepting entries for their Photo Contest for individuals located within the District’s service area. The service area includes Fannin, Union, Towns and Rabun Counties. Education is a critical element of the conservation effort at the local, state and national levels. Educating young people and the community about the benefits of conservation helps to ensure the next generation will be wise stewards of America’s natural resources.
The annual Photo Contest provides amateur photographers, of all ages, the chance to have their photograph selected to advance on to the state contest. Prizes will be awarded for the top three winners. Each photographer is allowed to enter up to five photos that fit into one of four categories: Conservation Practices, Close-up Conservation, Conservation in Action, and Agriculture and Conservation Across Georgia. The deadline to enter the contest is June 01, 2024.
The Blue Ridge Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that directs natural resource management programs in Fannin, Union, Towns and Rabun 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/blueridgemountain.
supervisors
District Projects and Events
The District Supervisors work in coordination with local, state and federal agencies, and other organizations to educate the public at field days and tours. These not only educate in new methodologies, but create a greater awareness of our environment.
Sponsored tours and demonstrations in conservation, and conservation practices including EQIP and other NRCS programs, and 319 Water Quality Projects.
Promote conservation farming in an effort to reduce erosion on cropland within the District.
Assisted in the implementation of the Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Certification Program and encourage county commissioners to enforce their ordinances.
Continue to encourage watershed sponsors to perform O&M inspections and carry out needed maintenance on all completed flood control structures.
Urged landowners to join in a partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.
Inform cooperators of assistance available through NRCS and GA Forestry Commission.
Promote improvement of water quality by working with counties to stabilize road banks, standardizing proper seeding procedures, and working with major utilities to notify of violations of good conservation practices on their rights-of-way.
Distributed educational material, Soil & Water Stewardship material throughout the District.
Work with curriculum directors and teachers to see that beneficial material is incorporated in the schools for a good Conservation Program.
Produced news articles through NRCS field office and GSWCC Regional Office.
District works with community clubs, other government agencies, organizations, churches, schools, etc., to promote the sound conservation of our natural resources.
The Supervisors support Regional Competition for the Georgia Envirothon.
Students were sponsored to the Natural Resources Conservation Workshop by the District at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.
Promoted and sponsored E&SC programs to encourage local communities to enforce their ordinances. Held workshops to educate in the E&S rules and regulations.
Sponsored a Conservation Tour in July
district services
meeting information
The Blue Ridge Mountain Conservation District meets the third Friday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Pat Haralson Memorial Civic Center, 165 Wellborn St., Blairsville, GA 30512.