Region 5 Fencing Grant

The Lower Chattahoochee River Soil & Water Conservation District in coordination with the Ocmulgee River and Pine Mountain Soil & Water Conservation Districts are happy to announce cost-share funding for perimeter fencing to exclude feral hogs. We are partnering with the National Association of Conservation Districts to help address one of the most important resource challenges we have in South Georgia.

Who is eligible?

Farmers with evidence of feral hog damage in the following counties: Bibb, Chattahoochee, Clay, Crawford, Dooly, Harris, Houston, Lee, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Peach, Pulaski, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, Terrell, Webster or Wilcox.

How much is the cost-share?

Successful applicants will receive a cost-share of $3.20 per linear foot of newly installed perimeter exclusion fencing.

How do I know how much fence I need?

If you do not have the dimensions of the field(s) you are interested in protecting, you can get a close approximation using the Measuring tool on Google Earth (https://earth.google.com/). We are also happy to provide assistance so please reach out to Ben Roberts, our Region 5 Conservation Manager, using the information provided below.

What kind of fence can I put up?

The cost-share is based on USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) specifications for high-tensile, smooth wire fence. Detailed information may be found here (382_GA_PS_Fence-High_Tensile_Smooth_2016 (usda.gov)). The program will allow other types of fencing to be installed but they must be built to NRCS specifications, and the cost-share rate will remain $3.20 per linear foot.

How will I get paid?

Once fencing is installed and approved by a local NRCS representative, the total amount of cost-share ($3.20 x total linear feet installed) will be paid to the landowner directly from our partners at the National Association of Conservation Districts. Landowners are responsible for the upfront costs of installation and ongoing maintenance.

How do I apply?

Interested farmers can apply quickly and easily online using this link - https://gaswcc.georgia.gov/form/fencing-grant-application. You may also request a paper application by contacting Ben using the information provided below. All you need to apply is your contact information, estimated linear feet of fencing needed and a couple minutes to answer a handful of related questions.

When can I apply?

We are accepting applications from August 1 – August 15, 2024.

Questions?

Contact:          Ben Roberts, GASWCC Region 5 Conservation Manager

                        [email protected]

                        (706) 612-6999