Sept. 1, Georgia’s leading water protection coalition presented its Clean 13 Water Heroes Award to the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District for leading the way toward more sustainable agriculture in the heart of Georgia’s breadbasket.

The district brings millions of dollars in private and public funds to improve irrigation efficiency impacting some 13 million acres of cropland in southwest Georgia. To bring statewide recognition to this innovative work, the Georgia Water Coalition included the Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District in their 2019 Clean 13 report.

The annual report highlights individuals, businesses, industries, non-profit organizations and governmental agencies whose extraordinary efforts have led to cleaner rivers, stronger communities and a more sustainable future for Georgians.

“The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is thrilled to be recognized for our work in agricultural irrigation efficiency and conservation in southwest Georgia,” said Marty McLendon, Chairman of the District. “Our strong relationships with researchers, innovative trailblazers in the industry, producers and landowners allow the District to implement new technologies on farms throughout the region, improving economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture in Georgia.”

Rena Ann Peck, executive director of the Georgia River Network, presented the award on behalf of the Georgia Water Coalition to Perri Campis, executive director of the District, in a ceremony at the Albany Waterfront Park with local farmers, officials from the District, City of Albany, Dougherty County, and the Flint Riverkeeper present.

“The heartbeat of the Georgia agricultural economy beats strongest in the Flint River watershed”, said Gordon Rogers, executive director of the Flint Riverkeeper, “the work of the District is moving us closer and closer to sustainable and resilient production of food and fiber in a landscape that boasts a vibrant culture woven through farming communities and river towns.”

Source: Flint River Soil & Water Conservation District, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.