UPPER OCMULGEE RIVER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
The Yellow, Alcovy, and South rivers of north Georgia converge to form the majestic Ocmulgee River. This confluence of water in the agricultural heartland of central Georgia makes up the Upper Ocmulgee watershed. Nutrient rich soil and ample moisture make this district a haven for plant and livestock farmers. The vast lands that are touched by the Upper Ocmulgee.
The Upper Ocmulgee Conservation District aims to protect these lands for generations to come. This board of farmers and community members steward the land with mindfulness and the knowledge of people who grew up on this land. The Upper Ocmulgee basin continues to thrive because of the dedication of the men and women who strive to protect it.
News
Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District Awards Winner of Poster Contest
September 15, 2026, Monticello, GA: 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.
Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) offered the Georgia Association of Conservation District’s (GACD) poster contest to public, private and homeschooled students from 6th through 8th grade in the schools throughout the Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD. Each year, the winning posters reflect GACD’s annual Stewardship theme and highlight the work of Conservation Districts to protect and enhance natural resources. This year’s theme, “Soil. Where it all Begins.”, celebrates the incredible power of soil to support life in all its forms. Soil is not just the ground we walk on. It is the starting point for healthy food, clean water, thriving habitats, and resilient communities. From backyard gardens to forests and city parks, everything begins with what is beneath our feet.
There was one overall winner, a 8th grade student at Piedmont Academy. As 1st place winner was Will Pope claimed a $100.00 prize and earned submission to the GACD State Poster Contest. The awards were presented in Monticello, Ga at the Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD meeting by Chairman Tim Anderson and GACD’s NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp, on September 15, 2026. GACD and local Conservation Districts encourage Georgia’s youth to practice conservation efforts that benefit Georgia communities.
The Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District is a unit of state government that manages and directs natural resource management programs in Jasper and Newton 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 at www.gacd.us/upperocmulgeeriver.
Pictured: Upper Ocmulgee River District Supervisor, Preston Wynens, Tara Pope, Will Pope, Chairman, Tim Anderson, and GACD’s NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp.
Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District Offering Feral Swine Control Services
December 30, 2025: 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 over $150 million. Feral swine are one of the greatest invasive species challenges facing Georgia.
The Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District is a unit of state government that directs natural resource management programs throughout Jasper and Newton Counties. They work with producers, 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.
The Conservation District has acquired a trapping system to provide control services to producers and landowners throughout the area. If you are interested in feral swine control services, please contact one of the District’s Hog Control Custodians, Drew Hill, at ahwelding22@gmail.com / 706-623-1297, or Marty Adams, at huppyskuppy@hotmail.com / 706-717-0844.
More information can be found at www.gacd.us/feralswine.
SERVICES
Feral Hog Control
District Supervisors
Meeting Information
The Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District meets the third Tuesday of every other month at 10 AM.
The meeting location switches between the Jasper County Farm Bureau Office and the Newton County Administrative Building every other meeting.