LANDOWNER'S GUIDE TO CONSERVATION INCENTIVES PRIVATE LANDOWNERS CONSERVING GEORGIA'S NATURAL RESOURCES THIRD EDITION JUNE 2008 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This guide was developed and updated by staff of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Wildlife Resources Division (GADNR WRD). Printing was made possible through the support of The Environmental Resources Network (TERN). We would like to thank the many individuals from different agencies who helped compile and review the information presented in this guide. For additional copies of this guide, please contact: Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Nongame Conservation Section 116 Rum Creek Drive Forsyth, GA 31029 Phone: 478.994.1438 Fax: 478.993.3050 -- OR -- visit us on the Web at: www.georgiawildlife.com and navigate to the conservation page for a link to this document USING THE GUIDE Did you know that more than 93% of the land in Georgia is privately owned? And that Georgia is considered one of the most biologically diverse states in the nation? This means that the future health of our land, water, and wildlife is largely dependent upon landowners like you. There are many opportunities available to help you protect and improve natural resources on your property. Programs in this booklet are presented from the Georgia landowner's point of view. The booklet presents only the fundamental aspects of each program in a format that allows you to easily compare various programs. Therefore, some specific details are omitted. Landowners should also be aware that this guide is not inclusive of all programs available to conserve your land. Many of these programs are subject to funding and legislative changes, so for the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to contact the appropriate organization that manages the program. For the sake of simplicity, conservation programs in the guide are divided into three main types: 1. Financial Assistance for Management Practices A list of programs that offer cost-sharing, rental payments, and direct revenue to landowners for implementing certain management practices on their land is included in this section. Many of these programs are administered by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and have structured application procedures for enrollment. The programs vary in incentive amount and eligible practices, but all typically require a commitment by the landowner to continue the practice for a period of time. 2. Technical Assistance: Developing a Plan for Managing Your Land This section highlights some of the various agencies that offer technical guidance for little to no cost to landowners. Most of these programs focus on developing conservation management plans to help landowners best meet their objectives while also protecting the environment. These can include an informal or formal consultation with a biologist, forester, or soil conservationist who can provide you with the latest information and technology for managing your land. 3. Incentives for Land Conservation In this section, landowners are presented with some of the incentives available for voluntarily protecting their land. These are typically not structured programs, but rather opportunities that landowners may want to consider if they would like to preserve their land for future generations. Incentives are typically in the form of tax relief. Comparison charts for financial assistance and land conservation programs are located at the end of each section. These allow landowners to easily compare the various incentives included in each section. The directory at the end of the guide contains valuable contact information for conservation agencies. For each county, the responsible office for that area is listed, allowing landowners to contact the appropriate agency directly, without having to track down phone numbers and addresses. We hope that this guide will simplify the many government programs that offer conservation assistance. TOGETHER, WITH YOUR COMMITMENT TO CONSERVATION, WE CAN PROTECT GEORGIA'S INCREDIBLE NATURAL RESOURCES FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. WHAT DOES THE GEORGIA DNR WILDLIFE RESOURCES DIVISION DO? The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) is charged with managing, protecting, and encouraging the conservation of all wildlife, including game and nongame animals and protected plants. The division manages more than 1 million acres throughout our state. The GADNR WRD is divided into four sections to achieve these goals. Fisheries Management Section (FM) The FM Section manages and protects freshwater aquatic habitats that support the valuable recreational activity of fishing and strives to improve the quality of fishing. The Section surveys fish populations, constructs and maintains fishing reservoirs, sponsors youth fishing events, operates fish hatcheries and public fishing areas (PFAs), maintains public boat ramps, and holds public meetings to help set biologically sound fishing regulations. Game Management Section (GM) The GM Section conducts research and surveys to monitor and study wildlife populations and determine sound management approaches for deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, quail, and other game animals. This Section manages and provides law enforcement on wildlife management areas (WMAs) throughout the state, which feature nature trails, dove fields, field trial areas, shooting ranges, and wildlife observation areas. This Section provides general technical assistance for nuisance wildlife abatement. The GM Section also includes a Private Lands Program (PLP) that provides technical assistance and in some cases financial incentives to landowners for enhancing wildlife habitat. The PLP includes the Bobwhite Quail Initiative (BQI), Forest Stewardship Program, Forestry for Wildlife Partnership, and Farm Bill biologists positions. BQI is funded in great part through the quail (Support Wildlife) license plate. Law Enforcement Section (LE) The LE Section is responsible for protecting Georgia's natural resources by enforcing laws, rules, and regulations that pertain to wildlife, exotic animals, boating safety, litter and waste control, and other natural resource issues. Conservation Rangers also administer the state's hunter education and boating education programs. The LE Section investigates hunting and boating accidents, assists in recovery of illegally taken wildlife, and investigates violations of wildlife laws. The LE Section also assists local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies when needed. Nongame Conservation Section (NCS) The NCS conserves and protects Georgia's nongame wildlife, plants, and their associated habitats. The NCS conducts research and surveys on a wide variety of nongame wildlife groups, identifies critical habitats, implements species and habitat restoration programs, encourages appreciation of watchable wildlife, and fosters public awareness of wildlife conservation needs. In addition, this Section catalogues and distributes information on rare species and natural communities, providing the information to state and local governments, federal agencies, developers, researchers and others. It is the only Section in WRD that does not receive any general appropriations from the state of Georgia. The Give Wildlife a Chance license plates (bald eagle and hummingbird), a state income tax checkoff, federal grants, and voluntary contributions are the primary funding sources for this Section. TABLE OF CONTENTS Using the Guide What Does the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division Do? Financial Assistance for Management Practices Bobwhite Quail Initiative (BQI)...................................................................................................... 3 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)......................................................................................... 4 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) ....................................................................... 5 Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)................................................................................................ 6 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) ................................................................................. 7 Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) ............................................................................................ 8 Wildlife Incentives for Nongame and Game Species (Project WINGS)......................................... 9 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention/Restoration Program (SPBPR)................................................. 10 Comparison of Programs ............................................................................................................. 11 Technical Assistance: Developing a Plan for Managing Your Land Forest Stewardship Program (FSP).............................................................................................. 13 Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) ................................................................................... 13 Safe Harbor Program ................................................................................................................... 14 Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) ................................................................................................. 14 Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances .................................................................. 15 Farm Assessment System (Farm*A*Syst) .................................................................................... 15 Incentives for Land Conservation Conservation Easements ............................................................................................................. 17 Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) ............................................................................. 18 Donation/Discounted Sale of Property.......................................................................................... 19 Farm Protection Program (FPP) ................................................................................................... 20 Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP) .............................................................................. 21 Comparison of Programs ............................................................................................................. 22 Directories Finding Regional and District Offices by County........................................................................... 23 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) ...................................................................................... 26 UGA Cooperative Extension......................................................................................................... 26 Georgia Forestry Commission District Offices (GFC) ................................................................... 27 GA DNR WRD Game Management Section................................................................................. 28 GA DNR WRD Nongame Conservation Section........................................................................... 28 GA DNR WRD Private Lands Program......................................................................................... 29 USDA Service Centers (NRCS and FSA)..................................................................................... 30 Land Trusts in Georgia................................................................................................................. 33 Notes .......... ......................................................................................................................................... 34 1 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE for Management Practices 2 BOBWHITE QUAIL INITIATIVE (BQI) Description This is a voluntary program to restore high-quality early successional habitat for bobwhite quail and other wildlife, improve water quality, and reduce soil erosion. Benefits to Landowner Landowners (cooperators) within the 15 counties covered by BQI can receive technical assistance, and in some cases, financial incentives, for the establishment of early successional habitats and management of bobwhite quail on their properties. Financial incentive rates vary by practice. Costs to Landowner Economic incentives exceed or meet the cost of most BQI management practices. Term BQI contracts are for three years with annual renewal based on cooperators meeting the requirements of the program, as set forth in the BQI habitat management plan. Incentive funds are allocated to cooperators annually after biologists conduct compliance checks. Eligibility/Limitations To be eligible for BQI incentive payments, the target property must be in one of the 15 focus counties listed below, must be at least 50 contiguous acres, and either must include commercial row crop agriculture or pine stands adjacent to commercial row crop fields. Sign-ups are continuous, and BQI biologists work with cooperators to develop habitat plans that are competitively ranked for funding. Cooperators that conduct multiple habitat practices receive higher scores and increased chances for funding. Upon request, habitat management information and/or plans are provided to all landowners, regardless of whether they enroll for financial incentives. Commercial shooting preserves are not eligible for incentives. Incentives will not be paid for previously established quail habitat. Although anyone may apply to receive technical assistance, funding for conservation practices is available only in select counties: Bleckley, Bulloch, Burke, Colquitt, Crisp, Dodge, Dougherty, Emanuel, Jenkins, Laurens, Lee, Mitchell, Screven, Sumter, and Terrell. Eligible Practices Economic incentives may be provided for the following practices: field borders, hedgerows, field corners, center pivot corners, conservation tillage, filter strips, fallow patches, pine stand thinning, prescribed burning, firebreaks, and fallow openings. For More Information Contact the BQI Office nearest you: Waynesboro (East) 706.554.3745 Albany (Southwest) 229.420.1212 Dublin (Central) 478.296.6176 Forsyth (Headquarters) 478.994.7583 3 CONSERVATION RESERVE PROGRAM (CRP) Description CRP is a Farm Bill program designed to protect soil, water, and wildlife resources on highly erodible portions of agricultural lands by establishing permanent vegetative cover and helping landowners safeguard environmentally sensitive areas. There is a general CRP sign-up (time varies by practice) and a Continuous CRP (CCRP) sign-up. Benefits to Landowner Landowners can receive annual rent payments, cost-share payments (50%), and technical assistance. Suggested and required maintenance practices may also be eligible for 50% cost-share. Annual rental payments are based on the agricultural rental value of the land. For certain practices enrolled under the CCRP sign-up, other financial incentives may be added to the rental rate. An annual maintenance fee is also provided to the landowner (see chart on page 11 for more information). Costs to Landowner CRP provides a 50% cost-share*, thus landowners pay for at least half of the costs of establishing the approved conservation practices. Term Participants enroll in CRP contracts for 10 to 15 years. Eligibility/Limitations Generally speaking, landowners are eligible if the land is owned/operated for at least 12 months and has been planted in an agricultural commodity for at least four of the previous six years. Other eligible acres can be considered if they are in the Longleaf Pine Conservation Priority Area or have highly erodible soils. For certain conservation practices enrolled under CCRP, marginal pastureland may also be considered. Eligible Practices CRP practices most beneficial to wildlife include hardwood and longleaf pine planting, thinning of already established CRP pine trees, prescribed burning, native grass planting, permanent wildlife habitat establishment, riparian buffers, field borders, filter strips, and wildlife opening establishment. Some examples: CCRP CP33 Habitat Buffers For Upland Birds is directed primarily at restoring habitat for bobwhite quail through the establishment and maintenance of field buffers 30 to 120 feet wide around the edges of commercial agricultural fields. CCRP CP36 Longleaf Pine Initiative is designed to re-establish longleaf pine forests within their historic range in Georgia. There are 116 eligible counties located primarily 1) south of and between Lincoln and Monroe counties and 2) west of and between Chattooga and Upson counties. The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) must determine if sites are appropriate for longleaf establishment. For More Information Contact your local office of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) (see the directory for listing). For more information, check out the FSA Web site: www.fsa.usda.gov Longleaf Pine CRP Conservation Priority Area (CPA) * Cost-share payments are typically reimbursements for services rendered. 4 ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVES PROGRAM (EQIP) Description This Farm Bill program recommends to landowners management practices that protect soil, water, and wildlife resources. Promotion of the recovery of species that are either federally listed as endangered or threatened, are proposed/candidates for listing, or are identified as imperiled by the GADNR WRD Nongame Conservation Section, are priority. Animal waste systems, cropland resource management systems, and grazing land resource management systems have been focuses for Georgia. Benefits to Landowner Landowners receive technical assistance to reduce impacts to the environment and may receive financial assistance to cover 50% of the costs of implementing conservation measures. For beginning farmers or limited resource farmers, the federal government may cover up to 90% of the cost of implementing conservation measures. Costs to Landowner Typically, landowners will be responsible for paying at least 50% of the management practices identified under EQIP. Term The minimum contract is two years and the maximum is 10 years. Eligibility/Limitations Persons engaged in livestock, agricultural, or forestry productions are eligible for EQIP. The maximum payment an individual or entity can receive is $300,000 over 6 years. Eligible Practices EQIP practices most desirable for wildlife are in the Forest Health/Wildlife Resource Concern section. They include: prescribed burning, pine thinning, woods road improvements, installation of stream crossings for livestock, field borders, longleaf planting, and creation of early successional habitat. Traditional practices include river buffers, fencing, filter strips, silvopasture, conservation tillage, and much more. For More Information Applications for the EQIP program are available through local NRCS offices (call for sign-up dates). Check out the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Web site, http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip.html, or see the directory for county-by-county contact information. 5 WETLAND RESERVE PROGRAM (WRP) Description This Farm Bill program is designed to enhance degraded wetlands caused by farming or draining. Improving wildlife habitat, water quality, and reducing soil erosion are accomplished through cost-share agreements that restore wetlands. To ensure the protection of these wetlands, easements are placed on the property that restrict certain uses. However, in every easement, the landowner retains ownership of the land. See Conservation Easements on page 22 for more information. Benefits to Landowner Landowners can receive financial and technical assistance for restoring and protecting wetland values and functions, addressing problems related to farming practices, and enhancing wildlife recreational opportunities. Costs to Landowner Landowners only pay a portion of the costs associated with management and restoration activities implemented on the property. However, the costs of establishing any compatible uses, such as food plots, are the responsibility of the landowner. The landowner still retains ownership, controls access, and is responsible for paying taxes. See below for more cost-share details. Term Ten-year agreements, 30-year easements, and permanent easements are available. In every case, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) continues to assist landowners after a site has been restored by reviewing restoration measures, providing basic biological and engineering advice, and clarifying the technical and administrative aspects of the easement or agreement. 10-year Restoration Agreement Restore degraded or lost wetland habitats and reduce the use of these wetlands for a period of 10 years. 75% cost-share for restoration. 30-year Easements 75% cost-share for restoration. The USDA also pays for 75% of the fair market value of the property (according to the lowest of three appraisals) and all associated easements costs Permanent Easements 100% cost-share for restoration. The USDA also pays 100% of the appraised fair market value of the property (with a maximum cap of $2,000 per acre) and all associated easement costs. Eligibility/Limitations Landowners must have owned the property for 7 years or more to be eligible. The land must be restorable, consist of hydric soils, and contain wetlands that have been or are currently farmed or in pasture. Riparian areas and land adjacent to protected wetlands are also eligible. There is no federal limitation on the number of acres that can be offered for the program, but the state may impose limitations. For restoration, cost-share is capped at $50,000 per landowner per year. Landowners continue to control access to the land and may lease the land for recreational activities (e.g. hunting or fishing). At any time, landowners can request that additional activities be considered if they are compatible with the protection and enhancement of the wetland (e.g. cutting hay, grazing livestock, harvesting wood, etc.). For More Information Landowners can apply to their local NRCS office on a continuous basis. Check out the NRCS Web site, http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp.html, or see the directory for county-by-county contact information. 6 WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVES PROGRAM (WHIP) Description WHIP encourages the enhancement, restoration, and protection of significant, high-quality wildlife habitats, with a focus on wetland and upland habitats supporting rare or declining species. Benefits to Landowner Landowners can receive up to 75% cost-share to implement habitat improvement practices or provide habitat protection. In-kind and technical assistance is available in the form of a wildlife habitat plan, monitoring, reviewing management guidelines, and providing basic biological and engineering advice. Costs to Landowner Landowners pay for 25% of the cost of the management and protection practices implemented. Term Contract lengths range from 5 to 15 years. Agreements for less than five years are possible if emergency practices are necessary. Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) provides greater cost-share assistance to landowners entering into agreements lasting for 15 years or more. Eligibility/Limitations All privately owned lands are eligible. Lands already enrolled in other Farm Bill programs are generally not eligible. Regulations are developed that restrict "wealthy" landowners from participating ("wealth" being defined by IRS standards). Federal regulations place no limits on the number of acres enrolled or amount of payments made, although states may place limits. The maximum payment is $50,000 per landowner per year. Eligible Practices Priority habitat types include (1) Early Successional Habitat, (2) Longleaf Pine Communities, (3) Riparian Buffers, (4) Upland Hardwood Communities, and (5) Wetland Habitat Management. Eligible practices include prescribed burning, field borders/strips, hedgerows, tree planting, forest openings, native grass planting, forest stand improvement, and more. For More Information Landowners can apply to their local NRCS office on a continuous basis. Check out the NRCS Web site, http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip.html, or see the directory for county-by-county contact information. 7 PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE (PFW) Description This program encourages private landowners to restore and enhance ecosystems to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Priorities for funding include programs that impact migratory birds, anadromous (migratory) fishes, and threatened and endangered species. Priority projects in Georgia include longleaf pine habitat restoration, riparian and stream habitat restoration, and threatened and endangered species habitat restoration. Benefits to Landowner Landowners not only obtain technical assistance on appropriate management and stewardship of priority resources (see above), but they also obtain financial support to implement restoration activities. The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) can pay up to 100% of the costs of implementing wildlife habitat restoration activities. Costs to Landowner The landowner or some other non-federal source is usually asked to cover half the cost of habitat restoration. But, this ratio is flexible and the USFWS can elect to pay for all costs. Term Landowners maintain management practices/restored habitats for approximately 10 years. Some projects may require a more long-term agreement. Eligibility/Limitations Any private landowner is eligible. There are no restrictions on project size. Eligible projects are wide-ranging and include farms, pasture, and forestry sites. The USFWS gives special consideration to projects that 1) are on permanently protected private lands, 2) are identified as high priority by state fish and wildlife agencies or other partners, 3) are near National Wildlife Refuges, 4) reduce habitat fragmentation, 5) conserve or restore natural communities which the state Natural Heritage Programs have designated as globally or nationally imperiled, and 6) are self-sustaining systems that are not dependent on artificial structures. The USFWS prioritizes those projects that 1) have longer duration agreements, 2) involve greater non-service partnerships and/or cost sharing, and 3) are the most cost effective. Eligible Practices Examples of Partners projects include recreating natural drainage and stream meanders, excluding livestock and providing alternative watering sources, revegetating stream habitats, and restoring native vegetation in uplands, including planting longleaf pine seedlings and establishing native ground cover. For More Information Contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in your area: Fort Benning Office: 706.544.6422 Brunswick Office: 912.265.9336 Athens Office: 706.613.9493 Atlanta Office: 404.679.4000 Or visit the Web site: http://www.fws.gov/georgia/ 8 WILDLIFE INCENTIVES FOR NONGAME AND GAME SPECIES (Project WINGS) Description Project WINGS is a right-of-way management campaign operated by Georgia Power and associated power companies, and designed to create wildlife habitat along gas and electrical transmission lines. The goal is to promote healthy wildlife habitat while ensuring that tall or shrubby vegetation does not encroach on the power line right-of-way, potentially damaging power and gas lines and disrupting service. Benefits to Landowner This incentive program provides cash grants up to $1,350 over three years, along with planning assistance to groups or individuals interested in managing electrical or gas transmission right-of-ways for wildlife habitat. Grant recipients not only receive technical assistance in developing a wildlife plan, but they are partially reimbursed for expenses incurred in implementing the management practices. Participants can either implement the management practices themselves or they can hire someone else to do the work. Costs to Landowner Project WINGS offers performance-based grants where participants pay for the initial costs of implementing management practices and are later reimbursed up to the dollar amount awarded. Participants are not required to provide receipts for work performed. Grants are usually paid within 60 days following the completion of work. Term Participants must maintain the practices for three years. Eligibility/Limitations Landowners, leaseholders, hunting clubs, wildlife organizations, government entities, and others committed to managing right-of-ways for wildlife are eligible. Eligible right-of-ways include: Georgia Power, Georgia Transmission, MEAG Power, Savannah Electric, and AGL Resources. Applications are accepted by Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) offices from May 15 through July 15 of each year. Grants are awarded competitively. Payment rates are per acre. In the first year, payments cannot exceed $100 per acre; in the second year, participants are paid a flat rate of $35 per acre; and for the third year, there are no payments. Eligible Practices Chemical control of exotic plants, planting of annual or perennial plants, and encouraging native vegetation through disking or mowing. For More Information Contact your local NRCS office (see the directory for a complete listing). For more information, check out the NRCS Web site: www.nrcs.usda.gov 9 SOUTHERN PINE BEETLE PREVENTION AND RESTORATION PROGRAM (SPBPR) Description This program is a result of the catastrophic timber losses that occur periodically in the Southeastern U.S. due to the Southern pine beetle (SPB). It is designed to encourage forestry practices that enhance the health and vigor of existing pine stands, which can prevent damage caused by Southern pine beetles, and to reforest areas previously affected by the beetles. SPBPR provides educational and financial assistance to non-industrial private landowners. Benefits to Landowner Cost-share funds covering no more than $10,000 annually for prevention practices, $5,000 annually for suppression practices, and $5,000 annually for tree planting practices are available. A Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) forester will meet with landowners, take applications, develop a plan to implement practices, verify performance once practice is complete, and authorize payment. Costs to Landowner Any costs over the amount provided. Term Landowners must maintain cost-shared practice for 10 years after installation. Eligibility/Limitations Private, non-industrial forest landowners of 10 or more acres whose eligible forestland is not held by a corporation with publicly traded stock, or whose eligible forestland is not used to produce 50% of the annual income of the landowner from wood products associated with the eligible forestland. Applications are accepted throughout the year and funds are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible Practices Loblolly, slash, shortleaf, white, longleaf pine, and hardwood reforestation, as well as prevention practices on pine stands including non-commercial thinning, release, prescribed burning, and establishment of permanent buffer strips. For More Information Contact your local GFC office. http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/ContactUs.cfm See the directory for contact information, or go to 10 Annual Maintenance Payment per Acre Cost-share Percentage Paid by Program Annual Rental Rate Payment per Acre Maximum Payment Allowed Contract Years Page # FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM N/A Bobwhite Quail Initiative (BQI) N/A N/A $15,000 3 3 Avg. $40 50-90%* $5 N/A Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) 10-15 4 Avg. Environmental Quality Incentives $40 5090%** $5 $300,000 over 6 years 2-10 5 Program (EQIP) N/A Up to 100% N/A N/A 10+ 8 Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) $10,000 prevention N/A N/A N/A $5,000 suppression 10 10 Southern Pine Beetle Prevention and $5,000 Restoration (SPBPR) reforestation*** Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) N/A 10=75% 30=75% Perm= N/A For restoration: $50,000/year 100% 10, 30, or permanent easement 6 Avg. Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program $40 <75% $5 $50,000/year 5-15+ 7 (WHIP) Wildlife Incentives for Nongame & Game N/A N/A N/A $1,350/acre 3 9 Species (Project WINGS) * For certain practices under Continuous CRP, up to 90% cost-share may be available **Beginning/Limited Resource Farmers eligible for up to 90% ***Annually 11 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Developing a Plan for Managing Your Land 12 FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (FSP) This is a program administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) with help from GADNR Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Based on the landowner's objective for the property, a Forest Stewardship Plan is developed at no cost. The plan takes into consideration timber values and growth, soil and water conservation, recreation, aesthetics, and wildlife conservation. A typical Forest Stewardship Plan will include topographic maps, aerial photographs, soil maps, wetland areas, and lists of rare, threatened or endangered species with specific recommendations to enhance their recovery. Also provided are summaries of forest products market information, relevant regulations regarding wetlands and highly erodible soils, Best Management Practices, and Streamside Management Zones. Forest professionals assess the current state of the timber, wildlife, soil, water, recreational, and aesthetic resources of the property and determine various courses of action landowners can take to achieve their objectives. Landowners who prove to be exceptional land managers can become Certified Forest Stewards and are rewarded with a plaque and a sign they can post on their property. Industrial forestlands are not eligible. Parcels of 10 acres or more are eligible (although an appeal process exists for smaller tracts) and there are no maximum acreage limitations. Contact your local GFC office (see the directory for listing) or the GADNR WRD Forest Stewardship Program (770.761.1697) for more information. CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (CTA) The purpose of this program, administered by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), is to assist farmers, land users, communities, and others in planning and implementing conservation systems that reduce erosion, improve soil and water quality, improve and conserve wetlands, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, improve air quality, improve pasture and range condition, reduce upstream flooding, and improve woodlands. NRCS assistance is provided through conservation districts to land users who voluntarily want to apply conservation practices and to those who must comply with local or state laws and regulations. The NRCS district conservationists can also provide technical assistance to participants in USDA cost-share and conservation incentive programs (i.e. Farm Bill programs). A customized, written conservation plan can be written that identifies the appropriate conservation practices most applicable to your farm or ranch. Contact your local NRCS office (see the directory for listing) for more information on conservation plans. INSERT FARM PIC HERE 13 SAFE HARBOR PROGRAM This program, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), provides landowners protection from endangered species regulatory restrictions if they are willing to create "safe harbors" for covered species through beneficial management practices. If this good stewardship results in a net increase above the original baseline population, the landowner will not be penalized by the strict guidelines of the Endangered Species Act. The program assures that landowners will not face further restriction of resource use on their property. Baseline management responsibilities must be maintained, meaning that the initial protected species population or designated amount of habitat must remain. Property owners are allowed to proceed with activities even if it results in incidental take of individuals of the covered species that are in excess of the baseline. The property owner also is assured exemption from future restrictions on resource use and from future regulation under Section 9 of the Endangered Species Act. In Georgia, the Safe Harbor program is currently limited to habitat for the federally endangered Red-cockaded woodpecker. For more information, contact the USFWS office in your area (see the directory for listing). HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (HCP) This is a program for landowners who have federally listed wildlife species on their property or habitat that would likely support these species. Because the Endangered Species Act prohibits activities that would be harmful to listed species, the way landowners use their property may be impacted. As a compromise, Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) can be developed that allow landowners to conduct activities that might be detrimental to listed species as long as the landowners have an approved plan for mitigating those impacts. Participation in this program allows landowners to proceed with activities that would otherwise be detrimental to listed species through an incidental take permit. These permits have variable expiration dates. HCPs are highly variable and reflect a landowner's interests, the needs of the species, and the recommendations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). HCPs can be written for one or several species, can be valid for short or long periods of time, and can be designed for very small or very large areas. For more information, contact the USFWS office in your area (see the directory for listing). 14 CANDIDATE CONSERVATION AGREEMENTS WITH ASSURANCES (CCAAS) This is a program for landowners who have species that are candidates for listing or proposed for listing under the Endangered Species Act or habitat that would likely support these species. Candidate species have not yet been listed but face immediate, identifiable threats. Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs) provide incentives for engaging in voluntary proactive conservation with assurances that limit future conservation obligations. These agreements between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and private parties provide nonfederal landowners protection against future regulatory restriction if the species becomes listed under the Endangered Species Act. CCAAs establish a framework for cooperation and participation in management and protection of candidate species by identifying threats, planning measures needed to conserve these species, and designing and implementing conservation measures on private land. For more information, contact the USFWS office in your area (see the directory for listing). FARM ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (FARM*A*SYST) This technical assistance provided by the UGA Cooperative Extension and GADNR Pollution Prevention Assistance Division is a series of self-assessments to help farmers and rural residents address specific concerns related to preventing pollution. The assessments cover a number of issues, including: animal production, crop production, water quality, drinking water well condition, management of irrigation systems, pesticide storage and handling, petroleum storage and handling, and more. There is no charge to the landowner to fill out the self-assessments, which take less than 30 minutes to complete. Additional technical assistance is available from extension agents on a wide variety of conservation and management practices. The only costs to landowners are associated with the practices they elect to implement on their farms. For more information, contact the UGA Cooperative Extension Service at 706.542.7661 or your local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office (see the directory for listing). 15 INCENTIVES FOR CONSERVING LAND 16 CONSERVATION EASEMENTS Description If you think of land ownership as a bundle of sticks, each stick represents a particular right that you have as the landowner. An easement is a legal agreement that transfers specific rights (or sticks) to a third party (e.g. utilities or right-of-ways) without affecting actual ownership of the land. A conservation easement is simply a type of easement that transfers certain development rights (e.g. building of new structures, roads, etc.) to a third party, typically a land trust or governmental agency. Since conservation easements are negotiated between landowners and the conservation organization, easements are a flexible tool to use to protect your property and help keep the land in its current condition for future generations. Conservation easements vary from allowing continued farming or forestry, as in a working agriculture or working forest easement, to restricting land uses, as with a preservation easement. It is up to you, the landowner, to determine these details. The amount of restrictions placed on the land determines the value of the easement and should reflect the intent of the easement. The easement guidelines are tied to the land, so the property can still be bought or sold, but future owners must adhere to the easement provisions. The conservation organization is responsible for monitoring and enforcing the easement terms. Benefits to Landowner As of April 2008, a taxpayer can deduct the value of the easement, up to 30% of the taxpayer's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), for the donation of permanent conservation easements. If the taxpayer cannot use the full value of the donation in the first year, they have up to five more years to use the deduction. The state of Georgia also provides a state income tax credit of up to 25% of the value of the easement, capped at $250,000 for individuals, $500,000 for corporations, and an aggregate amount of $1 million for partnerships. Any unused credit can be used over the next 10 years. Easements may reduce your property taxes and are an important estate-planning tool that can help you keep land in your family by lowering the amount of estate taxes due from your heirs. You may be able to exclude from your taxable estate up to 40% of the value of the land under easement. Tax codes may change, so consult a tax professional for the current incentives available or visit www.glcp.ga.gov. Costs to Landowner The main cost to the landowner is the development potential that is lost by placing an easement on the property. Easements typically diminish the market value of land by 40-60% because of the restricted rights. This amount varies with the size and location of the property and may be much higher or lower. Landowners are responsible for "due diligence" costs typically associated with any land transaction (e.g. attorney's fees, surveys, etc.) and must pay for a qualified appraisal of the easement value in order to receive tax incentives. In addition, landowners also are typically asked to provide the easement holder with a stewardship endowment to help ensure the conservation organization has the means to monitor and defend the easement in perpetuity. Eligibility Any landowner, either private or corporate, may place an easement on their property. There is no minimum or maximum size requirement, but eligible lands must have significant conservation values as defined by the IRS in order to qualify as a charitable gift and receive federal tax incentives. Examples of these conservation purposes include farmland preservation, scenic open space, historical sites, and wildlife habitat. To receive the state income tax credit, the land must be certified for other specific conservation purposes as defined by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR). In addition, certain properties are specifically not eligible for the state tax credit, including golf courses, ball fields, and lands already required to be protected by local ordinances or that were set aside for building density increases. Landowner Initiation The first step in donating a conservation easement is finding a qualified organization or government agency that is willing to hold your easement. The Georgia Land Trust Service Center (706.546.7507) can help match your needs with those of organizations working in your area. For a current list of all land trusts operating in Georgia, go to http://www.gepinstitute.com/landtrust.asp. More in-depth information on conservation easements and the current incentives available can be found at www.glcp.ga.gov or by calling 404.584.1101. The directory contains a list of land trusts in Georgia certified as of 2008 by GADNR as qualified organizations for the state income tax credit. 17 CONSERVATION USE VALUATION ASSESSMENT (CUVA) Description Certain properties, including agricultural lands, forest lands, and environmentally sensitive areas, may be eligible for reduced property tax rates through conservation use valuation. These properties are assessed according to soil type and productivity, rather than fair market value. This typically results in a significant reduction of property taxes. Landowners can apply for conservation use valuation of their property if they meet the county's eligibility requirements and are willing to sign a conservation agreement to keep the land in its current use for 10 years. Landowners can reenroll after 10 years if they wish to remain in CUVA. Benefits to Landowner Landowners receive a reduced ad valorem tax rate for their property. Costs to Landowner There are no direct costs to the landowner for entering into a CUVA covenant for forested lands or agricultural lands. There may be costs, however, for landowners entering into a CUVA covenant for environmentally sensitive land, due to the specific GADNR regulations for certification. Therefore, even if the property owner does have environmentally sensitive lands (e.g. property that has rare species), it may be wise to seek a CUVA contract under the forestlands provisions so these extra costs can be avoided. Term Landowners must promise to maintain their lands in the designated use (agriculture, forestry, or environmentally sensitive) for 10 years. Eligibility Usually, a minimum of 10 acres is required for enrollment, but this may vary by county. Each county tax assessor's office administers the program independently, so application requirements may vary. There are significant penalties for landowners who break the covenant before the end of the 10-year period. Owners who break their conservation use covenant must pay back to the taxing authorities twice the savings they received over the life of the covenant up to the point it was breached. Landowner Initiation Contact your local county tax assessor's office for applications and enrollment information. Applications for conservation use assessment must be filed with the county board of tax assessors on or before the last day for filing ad valorem tax returns in the county. For more specifics on CUVA, refer to the Georgia Department of Revenue's Web page at http://www.etax.dor.ga.gov/PTD/cas/cuse/assmt.aspx. 18 DONATION OR DISCOUNTED SALE OF PROPERTY Description Landowners who donate property or offer a discounted sale of their property to a qualified conservation organization can receive significant tax incentives. A discounted sale occurs when landowners sell their property for less than fair market value. The difference between the market price and the sale price is considered a charitable deduction by the IRS (for federal income tax purposes). Since the Georgia income tax return is based on federal tax returns, the savings also translate to the landowner's state income taxes. Georgia also has a state income tax credit available for donations and discounted sales of land. Benefits to Landowner Landowners receive significant federal tax deductions for donating property. As of April 2008, taxpayers can deduct the value of the donation up to 30% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) over six years. Georgia landowners are also eligible to receive a state income tax credit of up to 25% of the value of the donation, up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations, usable over 11 years. Because tax codes may change, consult a tax professional for current tax incentives available or visit www.glcp.ga.gov for the most current information on conservation incentives. Costs to Landowner The landowner foregoes all or part of the revenue from the sale of property. Term Property donations are permanent. In order to receive a state income tax credit, the donated property must be permanently protected as conservation land through a perpetual deed restriction or covenant. Eligibility Any landowner can donate property or do a discounted sale. It is important to consult a tax professional before completing the donation because the tax incentives will vary for each person. They also may vary from year to year according to the latest tax regulations. A tax professional can help structure the donation and ensure that the landowner receives the maximum tax benefits. To receive a state income tax credit, the GA Department of Natural Resources must certify the conservation purposes of the donated property. For more information on the application process, refer to www.glcp.ga.gov\taxcredit. Landowner Initiation Landowners should contact the conservation organization or governmental agency they intend to donate property to. Visit the Georgia Land Trust Service Center at http://www.gepinstitute.com/landtrust.asp or call 706.546.7507 for a list of Georgia Land Trusts. 19 FARM PROTECTION PROGRAM (FPP) Description The FPP provides matching funds to help purchase development rights to keep productive farm and ranch land in agricultural uses. Working through existing programs, the NRCS partners with state, tribal or local governments and non-governmental organizations to acquire conservation easements from landowners. The NRCS provides up to 50% of the fair market value to purchase a permanent conservation easement. Benefits to Landowner The FPP offers farmers facing development pressure an alternative to selling their farms for non-agricultural uses by placing a conservation easement on their farms. This conservation easement restricts the farm from being developed, while encouraging farmers to stay in business by providing a financial boost. The value of the conservation easement is determined by using an appraisal to determine the fair market value. Payment is divided with NRCS paying 50%, the state or local government paying 25%, and the landowner contributing 25%. Costs to Landowner There are few costs to the landowner except for costs associated with legal and financial counsel and with due diligence. Landowners must pay for their own appraisal in order to receive tax benefits. Term Conservations easements must be permanent in Georgia. Eligibility To be considered for the program, lands must satisfy the following criteria: 1) contain at least 50% prime agricultural soils or soils of statewide importance, 2) have a minimum of 1/3 of the offered acreage in cropland or pasture, 3) have a pending offer with the easement buyer, 4) be privately owned, 5) be covered by a conservation plan for highly erodible lands, 6) be large enough to sustain agricultural production, 7) be accessible to markets, and 8) be surrounded by parcels that can support long-term agricultural production. Landowner Initiation Since this program requires matching funds from a sponsoring agency or organization, landowners must partner with a sponsor to purchase easements on their land. A landowner can inquire with their local government or conservation group about the possibility of partnering to submit an application. Funds from the Georgia Land Conservation Program may be used as matching funds. Interested landowners should contact the state conservationist to discuss the project before submitting an application. For more information, contact the state NRCS office at 706.546.2272 or visit the Georgia NRCS Web site at: http://www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp.html. 20 GEORGIA LAND CONSERVATION PROGRAM (GLCP) Description The Georgia Land Conservation Program was established in 2005 as a statewide funding mechanism for land conservation. The program offers low-interest loans and competitive grants to cities, counties, and state agencies to purchase land or permanent conservation easements. The State Legislature determines the amount of appropriated funding available each year. As of 2008, the program has endorsed 45 projects, protecting more than 61,000 acres in Georgia. Benefits to Landowner While landowners cannot apply directly to the program for funding, they can contact their local government, state agency, or conservation group about the possibility of partnering on a land conservation project. Program staff is available to answer general questions on land conservation options and provide technical assistance and guidance related to land protection. Staff is also available for outreach and can come to your local community to provide information on land protection incentives. The web site (www.glcp.ga.gov) provides a comprehensive overview of land conservation options for Georgia landowners. Check the site for more information on conservation easements, frequently asked questions about land conservation, and tax incentives available for landowners who voluntarily conserve their land. Costs to Landowner Costs to landowners will vary depending upon scope of the project, but GLCP funds can be used to cover some of the due diligence costs incurred by landowners on approved projects. Landowners must pay for their own appraisal if receiving tax incentives. Eligibility All qualified cities and counties, regardless of size, within the state are eligible to apply for grant or low-interest funding under the GLCP. To be a qualified city or county, a community must be in compliance with the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Audits and Accounts. Non-profit conservation organizations, in partnership with local governments, may apply for low-interest loans to acquire land or conservation easements. The GA Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Forestry Commission, and Soil and Water Conservation Commission are also eligible to apply for grants and loans on behalf of private landowners. Landowner Initiation For more information on the GLCP and application process, visit www.glcp.ga.gov or call 404.584.1101. Contact your local government or conservation organization about partnership opportunities and development of a Greenspace program in your area. Those interested in supporting land conservation in Georgia can donate money to the GLCP through the Greenspace income tax check-off when doing their state taxes. 21 Direct Compensation to Landowner Property Tax Reduction Federal Income Tax Benefits State Income Tax Benefits Who to Contact for More Information Agreement Length Page # LAND CONSERVATION OPTIONS Conservation Use Valuation Assessment No (CUVA) Yes No Yes, with discounted Possibly Yes Conservation Easement sale Yes, with discounted N/A Yes Donation or Discounted Sale sale Farm Protection Program Yes Possibly Yes (FPP) No County tax assessor's office 10 Years 18 Yes Land trust or local government Permanent 17 Yes Land trust or local government Permanent 19 Yes NRCS & Land trust Permanent 20 22 DIRECTORIES Finding Regional and District Offices by County Simply identify which county you live in and scroll across to the organization you're looking for. You'll find the "Office Name" which you can reference in the main portion of the directory to find the address and telephone number needed. County GA Forestry DNR Game Commission Management USDA NRCS/FSA U.S. Fish and UGA Coop Ext. Wildlife Service Appling Atkinson Bacon Baker Baldwin Banks Barrow Bartow Ben Hill Berrien Bibb Bleckley Brantley Brooks Bryan Bulloch Burke Butts Calhoun Camden Candler Carroll Catoosa Charlton Chatham Chattahoochee Chattooga Cherokee Clarke Clay Clayton Clinch Cobb Coffee Colquitt Columbia Cook Coweta Crawford Crisp Dade Dawson Waycross Waycross Waycross Camilla Milledgeville Gainesville Gainesville Rome McRae Waycross Milledgeville McRae Waycross Camilla Statesboro Statesboro Washington Newnan Camilla Waycross Statesboro Newnan Rome Waycross Statesboro Americus Rome Rome Gainesville Camilla Newnan Waycross Rome Waycross Camilla Washington Camilla Newnan Milledgeville Americus Rome Gainesville Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Albany Fort Valley Gainesville Gainesville Armuchee Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Fort Valley Fort Valley Brunswick Albany Brunswick Fitzgerald Thomson Fort Valley Albany Brunswick Fitzgerald Armuchee Armuchee Fitzgerald Brunswick Albany Armuchee Armuchee Thomson Albany Thomson Fitzgerald Armuchee Fitzgerald Albany Thomson Fitzgerald Fort Valley Fort Valley Albany Armuchee Gainesville Baxley Pearson Alma Newton Eatonton Commerce Watkinsville Calhoun Fitzgerald Nashville Byron Cochran Blackshear Quitman Springfield Statesboro Waynesboro McDonough Morgan Jesup Metter Carrollton LaFayette Blackshear Springfield Buena Vista La Fayette Calhoun Watkinsville Cuthbert McDonough Valdosta Marietta/Calhoun Douglas Moultrie Thomson Nashville/Adel Newnan/Carrollton Byron Cordele LaFayette Gainesville Southeast Southeast Southeast Southwest Northeast Northeast Northeast Northwest Southwest Southwest Northwest Southeast Southeast Southwest Southeast Southeast Southeast Northeast Southwest Southeast Southeast Northwest Northwest Southeast Southeast Northwest Northwest Northwest Northeast Southwest Northwest Southwest Northwest Southeast Southwest Northeast Southwest Northwest Northwest Southwest Northwest Northeast Brunswick Brunswick Brunswick Fort Benning Athens Athens Athens Athens Brunswick Brunswick Athens Brunswick Brunswick Brunswick Brunswick Brunswick Brunswick Athens Fort Benning Brunswick Brunswick Fort Benning Athens Brunswick Brunswick Fort Benning Athens Athens Athens Fort Benning Athens Brunswick Fort Benning Brunswick Fort Benning Athens Brunswick Fort Benning Athens Fort Benning Athens Athens 23 County GA Forestry DNR Game Commission Management USDA NRCS/FSA U.S. Fish and UGA Coop Ext. Wildlife Service Decatur Newnan Albany Bainbridge Southwest Fort Benning DeKalb Camilla Thomson Monroe Northwest Athens Dodge McRae Fitzgerald Eastman Southeast Brunswick Dooly Americus Albany Vienna Southwest Fort Benning Dougherty Camilla Albany Morgan Southwest Fort Benning Douglas Newnan Armuchee Carrollton Northwest Fort Benning Early Camilla Albany Blakely Southwest Fort Benning Echols Waycross Fitzgerald Valdosta Southwest Brunswick Effingham Statesboro Fitzgerald Springfield Southeast Brunswick Elbert Washington Thomson Elberton Northeast Athens Emanuel Statesboro Fitzgerald Swainsboro Southeast Brunswick Evans Statesboro Fitzgerald Reidsville Southeast Brunswick Fannin Rome Armuchee Blairsville Northeast Athens Fayette Newnan Fort Valley McDonough Northwest Fort Benning Floyd Rome Armuchee Rome Northwest Athens Forsyth Gainesville Gainesville Gainesville Northwest Athens Franklin Gainesville Gainesville Hartwell Northeast Athens Fulton Newnan Thomson Calhoun Northwest Fort Benning Gilmer Rome Armuchee Blairsville Northeast Athens Glascock Washington Thomson Louisville Southeast Athens Glynn Waycross Brunswick Jesup Southeast Brunswick Gordon Rome Armuchee Calhoun Northwest Athens Grady Camilla Albany Cairo Southwest Fort Benning Greene Washington Thomson Greensboro/Madison Northeast Athens Gwinnett Gainesville Thomson Lawrenceville/Monroe Northwest Athens Habersham Gainesville Gainesville Clarkesville/Gainesville Northeast Athens Hall Gainesville Gainesville Gainesville Northeast Athens Hancock Milledgeville Thomson Tennille Northeast Athens Haralson Rome Armuchee Carrollton Northwest Athens Harris Americus Fort Valley Buena Vista Northwest Fort Benning Hart Gainesville Gainesville Hartwell Northeast Athens Heard Newnan Fort Valley Carrollton Northwest Fort Benning Henry Newnan Fort Valley McDonough Northwest Athens Houston McRae Fort Valley Perry Southwest Brunswick Irwin McRae Fitzgerald Ocilla Southwest Brunswick Jackson Gainesville Gainesville Commerce Northeast Athens Jasper Milledgeville Fort Valley Madison Northeast Athens Jeff Davis Waycross Fitzgerald Hazlehurst Southeast Brunswick Jefferson Washington Thomson Louisville Southeast Athens Jenkins Statesboro Thomson Millen Southeast Brunswick Johnson Milledgeville Thomson Wrightsville/Tennille Southeast Brunswick Jones Milledgeville Fort Valley Eatonton Northeast Athens Lamar Newnan Fort Valley Barnesville Northwest Fort Benning Lanier Waycross Fitzgerald Valdosta Southwest Brunswick Laurens McRae Fitzgerald Dublin Southeast Brunswick Lee Americus Albany Leesburg Southwest Fort Benning Liberty Statesboro Brunswick Jesup Southeast Brunswick Lincoln Washington Thomson Washington Northeast Athens Long Statesboro Brunswick Jesup Southeast Brunswick Lowndes Waycross Fitzgerald Valdosta Southwest Brunswick 24 County GA Forestry DNR Game Commission Management USDA NRCS/FSA U.S. Fish and UGA Coop Ext. Wildlife Service Lumpkin Gainesville Gainesville Gainesville Northeast Athens Macon Americus Albany Oglethorpe Southwest Fort Benning Madison Washington Gainesville Commerce Northeast Athens Marion Americus Albany Buena Vista Southwest Fort Benning McDuffie Washington Thomson Thomson Northeast Athens McIntosh Statesboro Brunswick Jesup Southeast Brunswick Meriwether Newnan Fort Valley Carrollton Northwest Fort Benning Miller Camilla Albany Colquitt Southwest Fort Benning Mitchell Camilla Albany Camilla Southwest Fort Benning Monroe Milledgeville Fort Valley Barnesville Northeast Athens Montgomery McRae Fitzgerald Mount Vernon Southeast Brunswick Morgan Gainesville Thomson Madison Northeast Athens Murray Rome Armuchee Calhoun Northwest Athens Muscogee Americus Fort Valley Buena Vista Northwest Fort Benning Newton Newnan Thomson Madison Northwest Athens Oconee Gainesville Thomson Watkinsville Northeast Athens Oglethorpe Washington Thomson Elberton Northeast Athens Paulding Rome Armuchee Carrollton Northwest Athens Peach Milledgeville Fort Valley Byron Southwest Brunswick Pickens Rome Armuchee Jasper/Calhoun Northeast Athens Pierce Waycross Fitzgerald Blackshear Southeast Brunswick Pike Newnan Fort Valley Barnesville Northwest Fort Benning Polk Rome Armuchee Rome Northwest Athens Pulaski McRae Fort Valley Hawkinsville/Cochran Southwest Brunswick Putnam Milledgeville Fort Valley Eatonton Northeast Athens Quitman Americus Albany Cuthbert Southwest Fort Benning Rabun Gainesville Gainesville Gainesville Northeast Athens Randolph Americus Albany Cuthbert Southwest Fort Benning Richmond Washington Thomson Augusta/Thomson Northeast Athens Rockdale Newnan Thomson Monroe Northwest Athens Schley Americus Albany Americus Southwest Fort Benning Screven Statesboro Fitzgerald Sylvania Southeast Brunswick Seminole Camilla Albany Donaldsonville Southwest Fort Benning Spalding Newnan Fort Valley McDonough Northwest Fort Benning Stephens Gainesville Gainesville Eastanollee/Gainesville Northeast Athens Stewart Americus Albany Preston Southwest Fort Benning Sumter Americus Albany Americus Southwest Fort Benning Talbot Americus Fort Valley Washington Northwest Fort Benning Taliaferro Washington Thomson Greensboro Northeast Athens Tattnall Statesboro Fitzgerald Reidsville Southeast Brunswick Taylor Telfair Americus McRae Fort Valley Fitzgerald Byron/Butler McRae Southwest Southeast Fort Benning Brunswick Terrell Americus Albany Dawson Southwest Fort Benning Thomas Camilla Albany Thomasville Southwest Fort Benning Tift Camilla Albany Tifton Southwest Brunswick Toombs McRae Fitzgerald Lyons Southeast Brunswick Towns Gainesville Gainesville Blairsville Northeast Athens Treutlen McRae Fitzgerald Mt. Vernon Southeast Brunswick Troup Newnan Fort Valley Lagrange/Carrollton Northwest Fort Benning Turner Camilla Albany Ashburn Southwest Brunswick 25 County Twiggs Union Upson Walker Walton Ware Warren Washington Wayne Webster Wheeler White Whitfield Wilcox Wilkes Wilkinson Worth GA Forestry Commission Milledgeville Gainesville Newnan Rome Gainesville Waycross Washington Milledgeville Waycross Americus McRae Gainesville Rome McRae Washington Milledgeville Camilla DNR Game Management Fort Valley Gainesville Fort Valley Armuchee Thomson Fitzgerald Thomson Thomson Brunswick Albany Fitzgerald Gainesville Armuchee Fitzgerald Thomson Fort Valley Albany USDA NRCS/FSA Cochran Blairsville Barnesville LaFayette Monroe Waycross/Pearson Thomson Tennille Jesup Preston McRae/Alamo Gainesville Dalton/Calhoun Rochelle Dublin Cochran Sylvester U.S. Fish and UGA Coop Ext. Wildlife Service Southeast Athens Northeast Athens Northwest Fort Benning Northwest Athens Northeast Athens Southeast Brunswick Northeast Athens Southeast Athens Southeast Brunswick Southwest Fort Benning Southeast Brunswick Northeast Athens Northwest Athens Southwest Brunswick Northeast Athens Southeast Athens Southwest Fort Benning U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Atlanta Office Southeast Regional Office 1875 Century Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30345 404.679.4000 Athens Office North Georgia Office 105 Westpark Drive Suite D Athens, GA 30606 706.613.9493 Brunswick Office Coastal Georgia Office 4270 Norwich Avenue Ext. Brunswick, GA 31520 912.265.9336 Fort Benning Office West Georgia Office P.O. Box 52560 Fort Benning, GA 31995 706.544.6419 UGA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION Northwest 1109 Experiment Street Flynt Building Room 227 Griffin, GA 30223-1731 770.228.7274 Northeast 302 Hoke Smith Building Athens, GA 30602-4256 706.542.3179 Southwest P.O. Box 1209 Tifton, GA 31793 229.386.3413 Southeast P.O. Box 8112 Statesboro, GA 30460-8112 912.681.0177 26 GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION DISTRICT OFFICES 1) Rome District Office 3086 Martha Berry Hwy NE Rome, GA 30165 706.295.6021/6022 2) Gainesville District Office 3005 Atlanta Hwy Gainesville, GA 30507 770.531.6043/6048 3) Washington District Office 1465 Tignall Road Washington, GA 30673 706.678.2015 4) Newnan District Office 187 Corinth Road Newnan, GA 30263 770.254.7218 5) Milledgeville District Office 119 Hwy 49 Milledgeville, GA 31061 478.445.5164 /5548 6) McRae District Office Route 1 Box 67 Helena, GA 31037 229.868.3385 7) Americus District Office 243 US Hwy 19 North Americus, GA 31719-8237 229.931.2436/2437 8) Waycross District Office 5003 Jacksonville Hwy Waycross, GA 31503 912.287.4915 9) Camilla District Office 3561 Hwy 112 Camilla, GA 31730 229.522.3580/3581 10) Statesboro District Office 18899 US Hwy 301 North Statesboro, GA 30461 912.681.0490/0496 27 GA DNR WRD GAME MANAGEMENT SECTION Northwest Region I 2592 Floyd Springs Road Armuchee, GA 30105 706.295.6041 Northeast Region II 2150 Dawsonville Hwy Gainesville, GA 30501 770.535.5700 I East Central Region III 142 Bob Kirk Road NW Thomson, GA 30824 706.595.4222 West Central Region IV 1014 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Fort Valley, GA 31030-6246 478.825.6354 Southwest Region V 2024 Newton Road Albany, GA 31701-3576 229.430.4254 Coastal Region VII One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520 912.262.3173 South Central Region VI 1773-A Bowen's Mill Hwy Fitzgerald, GA 31750 229.426.5267 II III IV VI V VII NONGAME CONSERVATION SECTION Social Circle Office 2065 Highway 278 SE Social Circle, GA 30025 770.918.6411 Natural heritage data, plants, aquatic species, mammals, and land conservation incentives Forsyth Office 116 Rum Creek Drive Forsyth, GA 21029 478.994.1438 Reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, habitat restoration, and nongame technical assistance Brunswick Office One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520 912.264.7355 Marine mammals, sea turtles, shorebirds, and other coastal species 28 GA DNR WRD PRIVATE LANDS PROGRAM Game Management Section Private Lands Program Headquarters 116 Rum Creek Drive Forsyth, GA 31029 478.994.7583 Forest Stewardship North: 770.761.1697 South: 229.420.1290 Bobwhite Quail Initiative East: 706.554.3745 Southwest: 229.420.1212 Central: 478.296.6176 HQ: 478.994.7583 Nongame Conservation Section Technical Assistance & Habitat Restoration 116 Rum Creek Drive Forsyth, GA 31029 478.994.1438 Land Conservation Assistance & Tax Incentives 2065 Hwy 278 SE Social Circle, GA 30025 770.918.6411 or 770.761.3043 Private Lands Program Offices DADE CATOOSA FANNIN WALKER MURRAY W HITFIELD GILMER TOW NS UNION RABUN WHITE HABERSHAM Bobwhite Quail Initiative Monroe, Burke, Laurens, Dougherty CHATTOOGA GORDON PICKENS LUMPKIN DAWSON HALL STEPHENS FRANKLIN Forest Stewardship BANKS HART Walton, Dougherty BARTOW FLOYD CHEROKEE FORSYTH Farm Bill Positions JACKSON ELBERT MADISON POLK COBB GW INNETT BARROW CLARKE OGLETHORPE PAULDING HARALSON DEKALB DOUGLAS FULTON OCONEE WALTON WILKES CARROLL CLAYTON ROCKDALE MORGAN GREENE TALIAFERRO NEW TON Worth, Floyd LINCOLN COLUMBIA MCDUFFIE FAYETTE HENRY W ARREN RICHMOND ? HEARD COWETA SPALDING JASPER BUTTS PUTNAM HANCOCK GLASCOCK TROUP MERIWETHER PIKE JONES LAMAR MONROE BALDW IN JEFFERSON W AS HINGTON BURKE HARRIS UPSON BIBB TALBOT CRAW FORD WILKINSON TW IGGS JENKINS JOHNSON EMANUEL SCREVEN MUSCOGEE TAYLOR MARION PEACH BLECKLEY HOUSTON LAURENS TREUTLEN BULLOCH CANDLER EFFINGHAM CHATTAHOOCHEE MACON MONTGOMERY SCHLEY DOOLY PULASKI DODGE WHEELER EVANS BRYAN STEWART WEBSTER SUMTER CRISP W ILCOX TELFAIR TOOMBS TATTNALL LIBERTY QUITMAN TERRELL LEE RANDOLPH TURNER BEN HILL JEFF DAVIS APPLING LONG CHATHAM CLAY CALHOUN DOUGHERTYWORTH TIFT IRW IN COFFEE EARLY BAKER BERRIEN ATKINSON MILLER MITCHELL COLQUITT COOK SEMINOLE LANIER DECATUR GRADY THOMAS BROOKS LOWNDES CLINCH BACON WAYNE PIERCE W ARE BRANTLEY MCINTOSH GLYNN CHARLTON CAMDEN ECHOLS Nongame Technical Assistance Monroe County Land Conservation/Tax credits Walton County 29 SERVICE CENTERS: USDA NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) AND FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) Sometimes the NRCS and FSA offices are housed in the same building and sometimes they're not. Although significant effort was made to provide you with the most current information, you may have to make more than one call to get what you're seeking. If you have any trouble, contact the NRCS state office at 706.546.2272 and tell them which program you're interested in and what county you live in. For the latest USDA contact information, check out their Web site: www.ga.nrcs.usda.go. For FSA, visit: www.fsa.usda.gov Adel Service Center (FSA only) 204 East Ninth Street Adel, GA 31620-3596 229.896.3206 Baxley Service Center 239 NE Park Avenue Suite A Baxley, GA 31513-0058 912.367.4368 Carrollton Service Center 408 N White Street Carrollton, GA 30117-2441 770.832.8942 Alamo Service Center (NRCS only) 203 W Forest Avenue Alamo, GA 30411 912.568.7411 Albany Service Center (NRCS) 125 Pine Avenue, Suite 150 Albany, GA 31701-4815 229.430.8509 Alma Service Center 203 S Dixon Street Alma, GA 31510-2703 912.632.4611 Americus Service Center 331 US Hwy 19 South Americus, GA 31719-9237 229.924.4056 Ashburn Service Center 414 County Farm Road Ashburn, GA 31714-3414 229.567.3304 Athens Service Center (NRCS State Office) 355 E Hancock Avenue Athens, GA 30601-2775 706.546.2272 Augusta Service Center (NRCS) 501 Greene Street, Suite 309 Augusta, GA 30901-4404 706.724.2247 Bainbridge Service Center 1213 Vada Road Bainbridge, GA 39817-8332 229.246.5773 Barnesville Service Center 231 Hwy 41N Barnesville, GA 30204-3235 770.358.0787 Blackshear Service Center 709 Hendry Street Blackshear, GA 31516-1019 912.449.5303 Blairsville Service Center 185 Wellborn Street Blairsville, GA 30512-3549 706.745.2012 Blakely Service Center 413 Arlington Avenue Blakely, GA 31723-1607 229.723.3193 Brunswick Service Center (NRCS) 3661 Altama Avenue Brunswick, GA 31520-3631 912.265.8092 Buena Vista Service Center 111 Baker Street Suite D Buena Vista, GA 31803-9362 229.649.4495 Butler Service Center (FSA) 109 Ivey Street Butler, GA 31006-2527 478.862.3645 Byron Service Center 102 Church Street Byron, GA 31008-7245 478.956.6484 Cairo Service Center 65 11th Avenue NE Cairo, GA 39828-1693 229.377.1607 Calhoun Service Center 717 S Wall Street Suite 1 Calhoun, GA 30701-2649 706.629.2582 Camilla Service Center 30 W Broad Street Camilla, GA 31730-1764 229.336.0171 Clarkesville Service Center (NRCS) 555 Monroe Street Clarkesville, GA 30523-7815 706.754.2772 Cochran Service Center 142 E. Peacock Street Cochran, GA 31014-1558 478.934.6571 Colquitt Service Center 150 C West Street Colquitt, GA 39837 229.758.5219 Commerce Service Center 1458 Ila Road Commerce, GA 30530-4466 706.335.8111 Cordele Service Center 110 W 13th Avenue Cordele, GA 31015-4265 229.273.4148 Cuthbert Service Center 301 N Webster Street Cuthbert, GA 39840-9704 229.732.3001 Dalton Service Center (NRCS) 1407 Burleyson Drive Dalton, GA 30720-2522 706.278.7906 Dawson Service Center 955 Forrester Drive Dawson, GA 39842-2100 229.995.5811 Donalsonville Service Center 111 E Crawford Street Donalsonville, GA 39845-1319 229.524.2434 Douglas Service Center 703 Ward Street E Douglas, GA 31533-0311 912.384.4811 30 Dublin Service Center 100 N Franklin Street Dublin, GA 31021-6799 478.272.1757 Eastanollee Service Center (NRCS) 250 Clary Connector Eastanollee, GA 30577 706.779.2134 Eastman Service Center 230 Foster Street Eastman, GA 31023-6255 478.374.2531 Eatonton Service Center 130 Sparta Hwy Eatonton, GA 31024-8484 706.485.2341 Elberton Service Center 333 Heard Street Elberton, GA 30635-2436 706.283.3021 Fitzgerald Service Center 124 W Central Avenue Fitzgerald, GA 31750-2479 229.423.2041 Gainesville Service Center 734 E Crescent Drive Gainesville, GA 30501-5082 770.536.0549 Greensboro Service Center (NRCS) 1600 S Main Street Greensboro, GA 30642-1266 706.453.7021 Hartwell Service Center 88 Maret Street Hartwell, GA 30643-1172 706.376.5451 Hawkinsville Service Center (NRCS) 105 S Lumpkin Street Hawkinsville, GA 31036-1768 478.783.1391 Hazlehurst Service Center 9 E Franklin Street Hazlehurst, GA 31539 912.375.2015 Jasper Service Center (NRCS) 55 A&B Dixie Street Jasper, GA 30143-1540 706.629.2582 Jesup Service Center 1900 Sunset Boulevard Jesup, GA 31545-7812 912.427.2502 LaFayette Service Center 208 N Duke Street LaFayette, GA 30728-2591 706.638.1558 LaGrange Service Center (NRCS) 100 Ridley Avenue LaGrange, GA 30240-0817 706.885.0101 Lawrenceville Service Center (NRCS) 750 S Perry Street Suite 410 Lawrenceville, GA 30045-4804 770.963.9288 Leesburg Service Center 101 Main Street Leesburg, GA 31763-3792 229.759.9267 Louisville Service Center 406 Green Street Louisville, GA 30434-1714 478.625.7771 Lyons Service Center 200 Courthouse Square Lyons, GA 30436-1010 912.526.6154 Madison Service Center 205 E Jefferson Street Madison, GA 30650-1701 706.342.1315 Marietta Service Center (NRCS) 678 S Cobb Drive SE Suite 150 Marietta, GA 30060-3105 770.792.0594 McDonough Service Center 333 Phillips Drive McDonough, GA 30253-3444 770.957.5705 McRae Service Center 713 Telfair Avenue McRae, GA 31055-2163 229.868.6164 Metter Service Center 1075 E Hiawatha Street Metter, GA 30439-4917 912.685.5255 Millen Service Center 837 College Avenue Millen, GA 30442-1678 478.982.4281 Monroe Service Center 111 E Spring Street Monroe, GA 30655 770.267.1359 Morgan Service Center 10893 Dickey Street, P.O. Box 66 Morgan, GA 39866-0066 229.849.2415 Moultrie Service Center 360 Building 1 Room 109, Veterans Parkway N Moultrie, GA 31788-4178 229.985.5399 Mt Vernon Service Center 303 S Richardson Street Mount Vernon, GA 30445 912.583.4432 Nashville Service Center 516A County Farm Road Suite 2 Nashville, GA 31639 229.686.2363 Newnan Service Center (NRCS) 580 B Highway 34 E Newnan, GA 30265 770.253.4283 Newton Service Center County Ag Building, Hwy 37 Newton, GA 31770 229.734.5272 Ocilla Service Center 401 Cherry Street Ocilla, GA 31774 229.468.7491 Oglethorpe Service Center 122 Chatham Street Oglethorpe, GA 31068 478.472.7012 Pearson Service Center 686 Austin Avenue E Pearson, GA 31642 912.422.3363 Perry Service Center 801 Main Street 2nd Floor Perry, GA 31069-3331 478.987.2271 Preston Service Center Courthouse Annex, US 280 P.O. Box 129 Preston, GA 31824 229.828.2015 Quitman Service Center 400 E Courtland Avenue Quitman, GA 31643 229.263.4116 Reidsville Service Center 206 South Main Street Reidsville, GA 30453 912.557.6706 31 Richmond Hill Service Center (NRCS) 185 Richard R. Davis Drive Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912.459.2350 Rochelle Service Center 671 2nd Avenue Rochelle, GA 31079 229.365.2231 Rome Service Center 1401 Dean Street Suite I Rome, GA 30161-6494 706.291.5651 Springfield Service Center 403 N Pine Street Springfield, GA 31329-6801 912.754.6664 Statesboro Service Center 151 Langston Chapel Road Statesboro, GA 30458-3751 912.871.2605 Swainsboro Service Center 145 N Anderson Drive Swainsboro, GA 30401-4439 478.237.8037 Sylvania Service Center 216 Mims Road Sylvania, GA 30467-1997 912.564.2207 Sylvester Service Center 410 N Livingston Street Sylvester, GA 31791-1626 229.776.6985 Tennille Service Center 114 Smith Street Tennille, GA 31089-1465 478.552.6071 Thomasville Service Center 404 N Broad Street Thomasville, GA 31792-8105 229.228.0459 Thomson Service Center 226 Bob Kirk Road Thomson, GA 30824-6744 706.595.1339 Tifton Service Center 1468 Carpenter Road S Tifton, GA 31794-7946 229.382.2775 Valdosta Service Center 2108 E Hill Avenue Valdosta, GA 31601-0600 229.242.0575 Vienna Service Center 1150 Industrial Drive, Suite 201 Vienna, GA 31092 229.268.4131 Washington Service Center 52A Lexington Avenue Washington, GA 30673-1422 706.678.2630 Watkinsville Service Center 1291 Greensboro Hwy Watkinsville, GA 30677-2718 706.769.3990 Waycross Service Center (NRCS) 601 Tebeau Street, Room 210 Waycross, GA 31501-4701 912.285.5975 Waynesboro Service Center 715 W 6th Street Waynesboro, GA 30830-4407 706.554.2109 Wrightsville Service Center (NRCS) 109 E College Street Wrightsville, GA 31096-1633 478.864.2810 32 LAND TRUSTS IN GEORGIA This list includes land trusts in Georgia that are, as of 2008, certified by the GADNR as qualified organizations to hold easements. For a more complete and current list of all the land trusts in Georgia contact The Land Trust Service Center at 706.546.7507 or visit http://www.gepinstitute.com/landtrust.asp Athens Land Trust 219 Broad Street Athens, GA 30606 706.613.0122 Central Savannah River Land Trust P. O. Box 148 753 Broad Street Augusta, GA 30903 706.312.5263 Georgia Agricultural Land Trust P. O. Box 1680 Carrollton, GA 30112 770.832.2972 Georgia Land Trust 428 Bull Street, Suite 210 Savannah, GA 31401 866.656.5263 Georgia Land Trust Service Center 380 Meigs Street Athens, GA 30601 706.546.7507 Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation 1516 Peachtree Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309.2916 404.885.7804 Georgia Wildlife Federation 11600 Hazelbrand Road Covington, GA 30014 770.787.7887 Gwinnett Open Land Trust 3280 Westbrook Road Suwanee, GA 30024 770.945.3111 Historic Savannah Foundation 321 E. York Street Savannah, GA 31401 912.233.7787 Mountain Conservation Trust of GA 104 North Main Street, Suite B3 Jasper, GA 30143 706.253.4077 Newton County Land Trust Alliance P. O. Box 208 Covington, GA 30015-0208 770.786.4390 Ocmulgee Land Trust P.O. Box 1017 Macon, GA 31202 478.743.7175 Oconee River Land Trust 380 Meigs Street Athens, GA 30601 706.552.3138 Southeast Regional Land Trust 6111 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Building E, Suite 102 Atlanta, GA 30328 770.351.0411 ext 307 Southern Conservation Trust 201 McIntosh Trail, Suite B Peachtree City, GA 30269 770.964.5212; 770.486.7774 St. Simons Land Trust P.O. Box 24615 St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912.638.9109 Tall Timbers Land Conservancy (operates in Southwest GA only) 13093 Henry Beadel Drive Tallahassee, FL 32312-0918 850.893.4153 ext 238 The Conservation Fund P.O. Box 1362 Tucker, GA 30085-1362 770.414.0211 The Nature Conservancy of Georgia 1330 West Peachtree Street, Suite 410 Atlanta, GA 30309-2904 404.873.6946 The Trust for Public Land One Georgia Center 600 West Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1840 Atlanta, GA 30308 404.873.7306 33 NOTES 34