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

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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

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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

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

References

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  1. ^ a b c d [1], Archived 2012-03-08 at the Wayback Machine Georgia Land Conservation Program Website
  2. ^ O.C.G.A. 12-6A
  3. ^ [2], Archived 2011-06-08 at the Wayback Machine "Land Conservation Purchase", Access North Georgia
  4. ^ Williams, Dave (2010-06-16). "State Secures Conservation Land". Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved 2019-10-27.
  5. ^ [3], Archived 2010-07-05 at the Wayback Machine Georgia Environmental Finance Authority Website
  6. ^ [4], Archived 2010-05-27 at the Wayback Machine Georgia Governor's Office