August 24, 2026 - Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris, GA – The Georgia Association of Conservation Districts held their annual Hall of Fame Banquet on Monday, August 24, 2026 during their Annual Meeting to honor and award those individuals who have gone above and beyond to further conservation efforts for our state. The highlight of the evening is naming the Hall of Fame Inductee.
The GACD Hall of Fame preserves the history of the conservation movement in Georgia by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to soil and water conservation.
The late Phillip Standard is a former District Supervisor of the Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District of 52 years where he represented Newton and Jasper Counties beginning in 1973. He served as Chairman for many years and passed away in 2025.
Phillip Standard dedicated more than 50 years of service to conservation in Georgia and left a lasting impact on the Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District. A lifelong resident of Covington, Georgia, Phil spent 36 years as a dairy farmer, where he developed a deep appreciation for responsible stewardship of the land.
As a longtime chairman, Phil led educational outreach efforts, encouraged youth involvement in conservation programs, and supported practices that improved soil health and water quality across the district. He worked closely with local, state, and federal partners to promote conservation tillage, secure funding for landowners, and expand conservation education throughout his community. His leadership, integrity, and willingness to mentor others made him a respected voice in conservation across Georgia.
In 2023, Phil was recognized for 50 years of dedicated service to Georgia's conservation district
program. Whether serving his community, his church, or the agricultural industry he loved, Phil's
commitment to conservation and helping others never wavered. His legacy continues to inspire
future generations of conservation leaders across our state. He was nominated by the Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District.
Congratulations to Phillip Standard, the 2026 Hall of Fame Inductee.
The family of Phillip Standard with GACD President, Brian Ponder.