Georgia Land Conservation Program

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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

References[edit]

  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