Georgia Land Conservation Program

The Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP) works to permanently protect land and water resources in the U.S. state of Georgia through public/private partnerships.[1] Created in 2005 by former Governor Sonny Perdue through the Georgia Land Conservation Act,[2] the GLCP provides grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits to achieve permanent land conservation through conservation easements[3] and fee simple ownership.[4]

Conservation objectives

Managed by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority,[5] the GLCP has 10 conservation objectives:

  • Water quality protection
  • Flood prevention
  • Wetlands preservation[6]
  • Erosion prevention
  • Wildlife habitat maintenance
  • Preserving agriculture
  • Enhancing historic sites
  • Maintaining scenic views
  • Recreation provision
  • Connecting natural and recreational areas[1]

The Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program

The GLCP also administers the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program. The tax credit allows landowners who donate fee-title lands or permanent conservation easements to apply for a credit against their state income taxes. Approved donors may earn credits equal to 25 percent of the fair market value of their donations, up to $250,000 for individual donors, and $500,000 for corporate and partnership donors.[1]

The Land Conservation Council

The Land Conservation Council, which governs the GLCP, includes five state agency leaders and four gubernatorial appointments.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 , Georgia Land Conservation Program Website
  2. ↑ O.C.G.A. 12-6A
  3. ↑ , "Land Conservation Purchase", Access North Georgia
  4. ↑ "State Secures Conservation Land", Atlanta Business Chronicle
  5. ↑ , Georgia Environmental Finance Authority Website
  6. ↑ , Georgia Governor's Office
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