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
On 11/21/23, Phillip Standard, Chairman of the Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD, was presented a 50 year service pin by GACD's NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp. Thank you for your service and dedication to the district. Congratulations, Mr. Standard!
Pictured: GACD NE Program Manager and Chairman, Phillip Standard
Upper Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District Awards Winner of Poster Contest
April 24, 2025, Covington, 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 “Home is Where the Habitat is” highlights the essential role of both natural and managed habitats in our conservation efforts.
There were three overall winners who were 7th grade students at Peachtree Academy. The 3rd place winner was Kassidy Walton winning $25.00. The 2nd place winner was Gracie Shacklock winning $50.00. The 1st place winner was Piper Gill winning $100.00. The 1st place poster entry will be submitted to the GACD State Poster Contest. The awards were presented in Covington, Ga at the Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD meeting by Chairman Phillip Standard and GACD’s NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp, on April 22, 2025. 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: GACD’s NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp, Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD Chairman, Phil Standard and 1st Place Winner, Piper Gill
Pictured: GACD’s NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp, Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD Chairman, Phil Standard and 2nd Place Winner, Gracie Shacklock
Pictured: GACD’s NE Regional Program Manager, Dana Tripp, Upper Ocmulgee River SWCD Chairman, Phil Standard and 3rd Place Winner, Kassidy Walton
EVENTS
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 September 25, 2025, at Thomas Persons Hall located at 319 College Street, Monticello, GA 31064. The workshop will be in the evening from 5:00 to 8:45pm with dinner provided and is sponsored by the Upper Ocmulgee River Conservation District, Jasper County Extension, Upper Ocmulgee River RC&D Council, Jasper County Farm Bureau, Town-N-Country Farm & Pet Supply, and the Bank of Monticello.
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 workshop, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required. More details and registration information are available at www.gacd.us/upperocmulgeeriver.
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.