BROAD RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Broad River is one of the larger districts in Georgia that is known for it’s cattle and poultry industries. You may also come across the occasional row crop or forestry operation too. The counties served in the Broad River Conservation District include Banks, Elbert, Franklin, Hart, Madison, Oglethorpe, and Wilkes.

Events

BROAD RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES FOR POSTER CONTEST

Ila, GA, March 07, 2024—The Broad River 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 Poster Contest for students located within the District’s service area. The service area includes Banks, Franklin, Hart, Madison, Elbert, Oglethorpe, and Wilkes Counties. Education is a critical element of the conservation effort at the local, state and national levels. Educating young people about the benefits of conservation helps to ensure the next generation will be wise stewards of America’s natural resources.

The annual Poster Contest provides public, private and homeschooled students in 3rd thru 5th grades the chance to have their art selected to advance on to the state contest. Prizes will be awarded for the top three winners. Each year, the poster topic reflects National Association of Conservation Districts’s annual Stewardship theme and highlights the work of Conservation Districts to protect and enhance natural resources. This year’s theme “May the Forest Be with You, Always” focuses on the importance of our forests. The deadline to enter the contest is April 26, 2024.

The Broad River Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that directs natural resource management programs in Banks, Franklin, Hart, Madison, Elbert, Oglethorpe, and Wilkes 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/broadriver.

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.