Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District Launches Feral Swine Outreach Campaign
The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (FRSWCD) is proud to announce the launch of a feral swine outreach campaign led by the Georgia Feral Swine partnership to release newly updated resources highlighting the issue of feral swine in Georgia. The Georgia Feral Swine partnership consists of the FRSWCD and partners who have collaborated to provide essential education on the negative impact of feral swine in Georgia and provide information and resources for impacted landowners.
Photo courtesy of USDA APHIS
Feral swine are a non-native, invasive species that not only cause economic impact through crop loss, livestock loss, and infrastructure damage, but are a threat to native and endangered species and contribute to soil erosion and water quality issues. According to a 2015 study from the University of Georgia, feral swine cause an estimated total of $150 million in damage each year in Georgia alone.
“Feral swine have been a problem for many farmers and landowners in Georgia for years, but we won’t be successful in addressing the problem without strategic partnerships and strong collaboration” says Marty McLendon, Chairman of the FRSWCD. “We’re thrilled to lead the Georgia Feral Swine partnership in providing outreach, education, and resources for all Georgians so we can work together to control invasive feral swine populations and reduce their negative impacts.”
Throughout the week-long campaign, FRSWCD will highlight different components of the feral swine problem in Georgia including, economic impact, disease concerns, laws and regulations, control methods, and ecological impact. As part of the Georgia Feral Swine partnership’s effort, comprehensive materials have been developed that include a website and a newly updated Georgia Landowner’s Guide to Wild Pig Management that is available to download as an iBook.
The Georgia Feral Swine partnership is a coalition of federal and state agencies, researchers, Universities, and additional stakeholders aiming to effectively control feral swine populations and provide outreach to landowners across Georgia. Partners in the project include the Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District, United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Georgia Department of Agriculture, the University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division, and the University of Georgia Extension.
For more information on the Georgia Feral Swine partnership visit www.georgiaferalswine.com
The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.
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