Upper Chattahoochee River SWCD
The GACDS District of the Year award recognizes the conservation district in Georgia which best plans and implements a conservation program. Since 2001, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has sponsored the $1000 award to promote excellence in district programs. The Upper Chattahoochee River Soil and Water Conservation District received the District of the Year award for its 2008 activities. The Upper Chattahoochee River SWCD includes Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Lumpkin, and White Counties. 
In presenting the award at the 2009 Annual Meeting, TVA's Linda Harris stated, "The Upper Chattahoochee Soil and Water Conservation District, comprised of five Counties in Group II, has been active for 71 years. District planning is comprehensive, focused on high value actions addressing the most critical needs of the District and its constituents. Particularly commendable from TVA's perspective is the District's strong outreach efforts related to O&M and modification of watershed structures, and commitment to supporting projects that will increase water supply and water quality while preventing surface and groundwater contamination.
The district values and builds strong partnerships to implement plans and address identified issues, stressing teamwork and cooperative ventures. Cooperators include, but are not limited to, city and county governments, RC&D Council, State Conservation Commission, Georgia Forestry Commission, County Extension Service, public school officials, legislators, as well as numerous landowners and businesses.
In addition to numerous, significant outreach programs, awareness events, workshops, trainings, recognition awards to constituents, legislative interactions, and support for conservation education, this district reviewed and approved 874 Erosion and Sedimentation Pollution Control Plans, and implemented an impressive array of Conservation Practices with their agricultural landowner partners. This District, to TVA, exemplifies what can be accomplished by cooperative effort!"
Congratulations to Upper Chattahoochee River for an outstanding program.
