The Georgia Land Conservation Program

glcp.org

Preserving our natural resources for generations of Georgians to come

The Georgia Land Conservation Act

“This act will preserve a statewide network of land and water resources, prime agricultural and forestry lands, and natural, historic and recreational areas for generations to enjoy.” - Governor Sonny Perdue, 1/31/05

Georgia Land Conservation Act Signed into law on April 14, 2005 

The first piece of legislation passed in 2005, nearly unanimously.



Initial funding of $100 million.

Georgia Land Conservation Council

Gena L Abraham, Ph.D.

Chairperson State Property Officer Noel Holcomb Commissioner Georgia Department of Natural Resources Mike Beatty Commissioner Georgia Department of Community Affairs Robert Farris Acting Director Georgia Forestry Commission Brent L. Dykes Acting Executive Director Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission Chuck Leavell Owner, Charlane Plantation Musician Dr. John Bembry Tree Farmer & Veterinarian Stacy R. Patton Managing Member Minerva Real Estate Investment and Development E. Wade Shealy Managing Member Hampton Island Preservation LLC

What Does the GLCP Offer?

–

Grants

to cities, counties, or DNR for fee title or conservation easement purchases from the Georgia Land Conservation Trust Fund (GLCP strives for a 3:1 funding ratio for grants –

Low Interest Loans

(3%) to cities and counties for fee title or conservation easement purchases from the Georgia Land Conservation Revolving Loan fund; –

Tax incentives

for donations of conservation lands; –

Consultation

, referrals, and other technical support for those seeking to carry out land conservation initiatives;

Funding For GLCP to Date

GEFA administered funds:

– $55M Conservation Revolving Loan Fund available to local municipalities at low interest rates – $5M (+ tax donations) in grant money available to cities and counties. Additional $5M recommended in FY08.

– $50M recommended in Amended FY07 Budget for projects of statewide significance

DNR administered funds:

– $25M in bond funds – $20M available in private foundation funds to DNR for key property acquisitions

2005-06 GLCP Projects Summary

– 24 Conservation Projects Across Georgia totaling 36,000+ acres – Total value of projects: $70+ Million – Total state investment: $20+ Million – Greater than 3:1 funding leverage ratio – 8 Conservation easement and 18 fee title acquisitions – Wide geographic spread across the state – 6 outright gifts of property to the state

Leveraging Opportunities (Public Sources)

– Federal Wildlife Conservation Programs (Forest Legacy, Endangered Species, Wetlands Conservation grant programs) – Federal Farm Bill Programs (Farmland Protection and Wetland Reserve grant programs) – Department of Defense Base Buffering Programs – Wetland Mitigation Programs (public and private) – Local Governments (SPLOST funds, etc.)

Leveraging Opportunities (Private Sources)

– Private Foundations – Non Governmental Organizations (Nature Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Conservation Fund, Georgia Land Trust, others) – Private Citizens and Landowners who want to conserve their Lands

Overview of Application Process

START

Step 1: Applicant submits pre-application or consults with staff Step 2: Staff reviews proposed project for program eligibility Step 3: If eligible, applicant submits full application and supplemental materials Step 4: Staff reviews and scores complete application Step 5: Staff consults with applicant to discuss application and funding options Step 6: Staff presents findings to GEFA Board Step 7: Staff presents findings to Land Conservation Council Step 8: Land Conservation Council considers project and, if approved, proposes funding mechanism (grant, loan or hybrid) Step 9: Staff executes contract

FINISH

For more information contact…..

The Georgia Land Conservation Program Curt Soper Jennifer Spivey Kristina Sorensen

glcp.org

404-463-5715 or 404-584-1101

Preserving our natural resources for generations of Georgians to come