Jerry Bland has been named Dodge County’s Conservationist of the Year by the Central Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District. The award was presented at the district’s annual program for his achievements in soil and water conservation.
Jerry grew up in the Jaybird Springs Community located in Southern Dodge County. Jerry’s grandfather, T.A. Bland established Jaybird Springs which was a popular family resort from the 1930s through the 1980s. Jerry grew up helping his father, the late Tommy Bland, manage Wholesale Builders Supply, which was started by Tommy in 1968.
He began working fulltime with the family owned business after graduating from Georgia Southwestern College and is the owner of the business today. He is the son of Tommy and Joyce Bland and grandson of the late R. B. Kelly.
Bland Family Partnership was established in 1994 when the family first began investing in timberland. Today the partnership owns and manages timberland which is predominantly established in longleaf and slash pine. Jerry’s main objective is timber production and wildlife habitat enhancement.
Approximately 5,000 hardwoods, fruit trees, and shrubs have been planted on the property over the past several years to provide permanent wildlife habitat and 30 acres of annual food plots have been established and are being maintained. Longleaf and slash pine have been planted and are intensely managed with a three year rotational prescribed burning plan, a selective thinning program, and herbicide applications to control understory and invasive species. Jerry believes that these practices improve timber growth, enhance wildlife habitat, and promote early successional habitat. All food plots are planted annually with a no till drill which is adapted with a seed box for native warm season grass that is used for personal use and for planting native warm season grass for the public.
A stream crossing has recently been installed and plans have been made to establish forest openings on loading docks where native warm season grass will be planted. Forest roads have also been established with broad based dips throughout the property to provide access for management purposes while minimizing soil erosion. Four farm ponds have been constructed and are being managed for recreation and wildlife purposes. Jerry’s wife, Tami, also manages the family’s horse farm and actively competes in showing.
Jerry and his wife Tami have four children and six grandchildren and are members of Chauncey Methodist Church. Jerry is on the board of directors at Citizens Bank and Trust Company in Eastman and is a certified forest steward.
The Central Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District includes Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Twiggs, Washington and Wilkinson counties. The district serves as guardian of the soil and water resources for the citizens of its counties.
For more information on the Central Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District, please contact the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission Region IV office in Milledgeville at 478-445-5766.
