A resolution with highest commendations was presented by the CPYRWMA to Dr. Bennett Lee Bearden for outstanding professional achievements and exceptional service to the State of Alabama and the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority. Bennett is Chief of Staff to the State Geologist, Assistant State Geologist, and served as Director of the Water Policy and Law Institute at the University of Alabama. He was appointed by the Governor of the State of Alabama as Chairman of the Alabama Water Agencies Working Group (AWAWG) in 2012 charged with developing water policy and a comprehensive water management plan for the State where he oversaw all activities of the Governor’s water policy task force including development of Mapping the Future of Alabama Water Resources Management, Policy Options and Recommendations, the first report of policy options and recommendations in the Alabama water resources spectrum since 1990, he also served as Special Counsel to the Governor on Water Law and Policy from 2013 – 2017, providing strategic legal and public policy counsel to the State of Alabama.

He is a member of the Alabama State Bar; Washington D.C.; the Law Society of England and Wales; the United States Supreme Court Bar; the Federal Bar, U. S. Court of Appeals; and the Alabama and National District Attorneys Association; authored or co-authored over 141 books, publications, and papers, and co-authored and co-edited the leading casebook on water law and policy, Cases and Materials on Water Law, 9th edition. Bearden served as a Technical Advisor to the Board of Directors of the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority from 2014 – 2021 and still provides invaluable and unwavering support and advice to the Board and promotes the agency in all areas of the State of Alabama as the most appropriate and effective concept for watershed management.

Dr. Bearden is commended for his exceptional knowledge, expertise, and professional achievements and for his dedication and support of the Board of Directors. He is deserving of recognition, and it is with great appreciation and commendation for his services to the State of Alabama and to this agency, that the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority presented him this special Resolution.

Mayor Terry Holley of Florala was re-appointed for a second term as the Resident Director for Covington County on the Board of Directors of the CPYRWMA. Shown is Lisa Harris, Mayor Holley and Judge Stacy B. Brooks.

Mayor Holley was born in Lockhart, AL and spent most of his life in the Florala/Lockhart area. He graduated from Florala High School; attended LBW in Andalusia; graduated from the University of Alabama; and later attended Troy University and AUM where he received a Master’s in Administration. He retired from the Alabama National Guard after 21 years and retired from the Covington County School System after 36 years where he served as coach, teacher, and principal. He was also superintendent for the Crenshaw County School System and is currently serving as Mayor of Florala. He is married to Brenda Joyce (Majors) Holley, and they have three children.

Allie Logan of Eufaula was recently appointed as At-Large Director for Barbour County on the Board of Directors of the CPYRWMA. Shown with Allie is Probate Judge Susan Shorter administering the Oath of Office at a ceremony held at the Barbour County Courthouse in Eufaula.

Ms. Logan was born and reared on her family’s farm in Barbour County. She attended Auburn University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communications and a master’s degree in Adult Education. Allie has been the County Coordinator with the Barbour County Extension since 2016 and she has worked hard to improve the quality of life for Barbour County citizens. She enjoys working with the youth through 4-H programs and helping farmers of all sizes and has served on numerous local committees. Through the Alabama Farmers Federation, Allie has been on state and local boards including serving as the State Young Farmers Chairman in 2014. Allie and her sister operate an agritourism business just north of Eufaula called Backyard Orchards. The sisters grow a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables on their farm and invite the public out to pick the produce. Allie is married to David Logan of Ozark.

Dr. Eve Brantley, a Professor in the Auburn University, College of Agriculture, Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences, was the guest speaker at the May 4 CPYRWMA Board meeting held in New Brockton, AL. She provided an update on the Sustainable Irrigation Expansion in the Choctawhatchee-Pea Watershed Basin program.

The project will improve plant health and vigor, improve soil health, and protect basin water quality. The project seeks to directly reduce damages to resources of concern by providing localized sustainable water management across approximately 16.800 acres in the basin.

Ashley L. Henderson, PE, Director of Conservation Programs and Practice Standards for Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committee, was a guest speaker at the March board meeting in Ozark, AL. Her presentation was titled Wiregrass Feral Swine Control Program and she discussed problems, damages and diseases caused by feral swine and how the program helps manage these issues.

For more information visit Feral Swine Program – Alabama Soil & Water (alabamasoilandwater.gov)