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
- ^ a b c d [1], Georgia Land Conservation Program Website Cite error: The named reference "Georgia Land Conservation Program website" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ O.C.G.A. 12-6A
- ^ [2], "Land Conservation Purchase", Access North Georgia
- ^ [3] "State Secures Conservation Land", Atlanta Business Chronicle
- ^ [4], Georgia Environmental Finance Authority Website
- ^ [5], Georgia Governor's Office