The Georgia Land Conservation Program

The Georgia Land Conservation Program
The Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP) works to preserve Georgia's land and water resources for future generations to enjoy. The GLCP offers grants and low-interest loans for fee title and conservation easement purchases from the Georgia Land Conservation Trust Fund and Revolving Loan Fund. It also manages the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program, which is provides financial incentives for landowners to donate land or a permanent conservation easements on their property.
The ten goals of the GLCP, as outlined by the Georgia Land Conservation Act are: 1. Protect water quality 2. Provide flood protection 3. Provide wetlands protection 4. Prevent erosion 5. Protect riparian buffers and natural habitats 6. Protect agricultural and forestry lands 7. Protect cultural sites and historic resources 8. Protect scenic environments 9. Protect recreational sites 10. Connect existing conservation areas
The GLCP has helped protect more than 323,000 acres in 113 counties since 2005.
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Land Conservation Financing

Conservation Tax Credits: The GLCP offers state income tax credits to those who donate a permanent conservation interest in their land through a conservation easement. Conservation easements are legal agreements that limit the permitted uses on a tract of land. The GLCP assists landowners during all stages of the process, and offers guidance on claiming associated federal and local tax incentives.

Conservation Loan and Grant Financing: The GLCP helps local governments and nonprofit organizations preserve natural, working and historical land by offering low-interest loans and grants. Grants are currently available only to state government agencies accepting donations of conservation land and easements.

Loan Terms: Loans through the GLCP are an attractive option for cities and counties committed to land conservation. The interest rate for land conservation loans is 0.50 percent to 0.90 percent, depending on the repayment terms. A one-time 1 percent fee equal to the loan principal is due at closing. The maximum repayment term is 20 years, with no early repayment penalty. Land acquired must be permanently restricted for conservation uses at the time the loan is made, unless the loan is made to a non-government conservation organization in a `bridge' capacity.

Contact Information
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, Land Conservation Program 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 900 Phone: 404-584-1000 Fax: 404-584-1069 Manager: Andrew Szwak, AICP Email: andrew@gefa.ga.gov

Members of the Georgia Land Conservation Council
Chairperson: Steve Stancil, State Property Officer Vice-Chair: Mark Williams, Department of Natural Resources John Bembry, D.V.M. Gretchen Corbin, Department of Community Affairs Brent L. Dykes, Soil and Water Conservation Commission Robert Farris, Georgia Forestry Commission Chuck Leavell, Musician & Owner of Charlane Plantation Paul Michael, TPA Realty Services Stacy Patton, Minerva USA