Landowner's guide to conservation incentives in Georgia

LANDOWNER'S GUIDE TO CONSERVATION INCENTIVES
IN GEORGIA

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FOURTH EDITION JUNE 2010

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USING THE GUIDE
Landowners should be aware that this guide is not inclusive of all programs available to conserve your land. This booklet presents only fundamental aspects of select programs (ones that benefit forestry and wildlife) in a format that allows you to easily compare them. 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 sections:
1. Technical Assistance: Developing a Plan for Managing Your Land This section highlights programs that focus on developing conservation management plans to help landowners best meet their objectives. 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. 2. Financial Assistance for Management Practices A list of select programs in Georgia that offer financial assistance to landowners for implementing certain management practices on their land are presented in this section. The programs vary in incentive amount and type and eligible practices, but all typically require a commitment by the landowner to continue the practice for a period of time. 3. Incentives for Land Conservation In this section, landowners are presented with some of the incentives available for voluntarily protecting their land. Incentives are typically in the form of tax relief. Comparison charts are available allowing landowners to easily compare incentive programs. The directory at the end of the guide contains valuable contact information for conservation agencies in Georgia. We hope that this guide will simplify the many government programs that offer conservation assistance.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Technical Assistance: Developing a Plan for Managing Your Land GADNR WRD Private Lands Program .............................................................................. ..3 Bobwhite Quail Initiative (BQI)........................................................................................... ..3 Forest Stewardship Program (FSP)................................................................................... ..3 Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) ........................................................................ ..4 Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) ...................................................................................... ..4 Forest*A*Syst .................................................................................................................... ..4
Financial Assistance for Management Practices Comparison of Programs................................................................................................... ..6 Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) ............................................................................. ..7 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) ....................................................................... ..8 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)............................................................ ..9 Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) ...................................................................... 10 Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) ................................................................................. 11 Wildlife Incentives for Nongame and Game Species (Project WINGS) ............................. 12 Section 319 Grant Program ............................................................................................... 13
Incentives for Land Conservation Conservation Use Value Assessment (CUVA) .................................................................. 15 Forestland Protection Act (FLPA) ...................................................................................... 16 Conservation Easements .................................................................................................. 17 Tax Incentives for Conservation Easements ..................................................................... 18 Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP)................................................................... 19 Farm Protection Program (FPP) ........................................................................................ 20 Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)..................................................................................... 21
Directories Finding Regional and District Offices by County................................................................ 23 Georgia Forestry Commission District Offices (GFC) ........................................................ 26 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) ........................................................................... 27 UGA Cooperative Extension.............................................................................................. 27 Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GASWCC) ....................................... 27 GA DNR WRD Game Management Section...................................................................... 28 GA DNR WRD Nongame Conservation Section................................................................ 28 Land Trusts in Georgia ...................................................................................................... 29 USDA Service Centers (NRCS and FSA).......................................................................... 30

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: DEVELOPING A PLAN FOR MANAGING YOUR LAND
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PRIVATE LANDS PROGRAM
The Georgia Department of Natural Resoruces (DNR) Private Lands Program (PLP) assists private landowners who are interested in integrating wildlife within their land management objectives. Biologists are available for onsite consultations, and can provide management recommendations and guidance on financial assistance programs. This Wildlife Resources Division team of biologists is available statewide, includes a variety of personnel with expertise in both game & nongame wildlife, and aims to provide practical and effective recommendations that restore and maintain habitats for wildlife. Contact a DNR Private Lands biologist (see inside back cover of guide) for more information on technical assistance and wildlife management.
BOBWHITE QUAIL INITIATIVE (BQI)
The Bobwhite Quail Initiative (BQI) provides technical assistance to private landowners, on a voluntary basis, to increase quail populations through habitat restoration. Georgia's quail population has declined by more than 70% since the early 1960s primarily due to loss of quality early succession habitat. Restoring this habitat type also benefits certain songbirds & other wildlife, improves water quality, reduces soil erosion, and can economically enhance local communities by stimulating quail hunting and wildlife viewing. Important BQI components include technical guidance on enhancing row crop agriculture and pine forests, information and guidance to landowners on potential financial incentives through federal and other cost share and incentives programs. BQI wildlife tag sales solely support this program. Habitat management plans are available to anyone regardless of property type or size. Call a professional wildlife biologist within BQI's East Focus Area (706-554-3745), Central Focus Area (478-296-6176), or Southwest Focus Area (229-420-1212).
FOREST STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (FSP)
This is a program that provides written management plans at no cost to the landowner, administered by the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) with help from GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). Private, non-industrial forestlands of at least 25 acres are eligible for a forest stewardship plan. A stewardship plan will provide recommendations on managing timber, wildlife, soil & water resources, recreation & aesthetics according to the landowners objectives. Plans include land maps that identify select areas & a set of recommendations for each that covers the next ten years. Landowners who improve their property according to their stewardship plans may be rewarded by becoming designated Certified Forest Stewards. To get started, contact your local GFC forester or WRD biologist (see directory for listings).
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CONSERVATION TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (CTA)
The purpose of this program, administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is to assist landowners 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 landowners who want to apply conservation practices. The NRCS district conservationists can also provide technical assistance to landowners enrolled in Farm Bill programs. A customized, written Conservation Plan can be written that identifies the appropriate conservation practices most applicable to your land. Contact your local NRCS office (see the directory for listing) for more information on conservation plans.
HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN (HCP)
This is a program for landowners who have federally listed wildlife species on their property or have 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. 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).
FOREST*A*SYST PROGRAM
The Forest*A*Syst program is web-based tool, hosted by UGA's Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, designed to help forest landowners articulate their management objectives in a written plan and foster a working relationship with a natural resource professional who can provide guidance and technical assistance. Forest*A*Syst provides an introduction to the concepts of managing a forest for timber production, wildlife, water quality, recreation and aesthetics. The Forest*A*Syst program is accessible online at www.forestasyst.org. For more information, visit the website or call 706-542-7412.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
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COMPARISON OF PROGRAMS

Cost-share Percentage Paid by Program Maximum Payment Allowe d Contract Years Page #

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE for MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Conservation Reserve Program CRP
Conservation Stewardship Program CSP
Environmental Quality Incentives Program EQIP
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program WHIP

5090%
N/A
5090%
<75%

N/A $200,000 $300,000 $15,000

Partners for Fish and Wildlife PFW
Wildlife Incentives for Nongame & Game Species Project WINGS

< 100%
N/A

N/A $1,350

60% Section 319 Grant Program

$50,000

1015

7

5 8

2-4 9

10 10

10+ 11

3 12

1 13

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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.
Benefits to Landowner Landowners may receive annual rental payments, cost-share payments (50%), and technical assistance for eligible conservation practices. Annual rental payments vary based on the agricultural rental value of the land. An annual maintenance fee is also provided to the landowner (see chart on page 6 for more information).
Costs to Landowner CRP provides a 50% cost-share reimbursement, 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 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 Continuous CRP, 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 Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC) must determine if sites are appropriate for longleaf establishment.
For More Information Sign-up dates vary by conservation practice. Contact your local office of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) (see the directory for listing). For more information, visit the FSA Web site: www.fsa.usda.gov
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CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM (CSP)
Description CSP is a new Farm Bill program (formerly the Conservation Security Program) that provides financial and technical assistance to promote the conservation and improvement of natural resources on private lands. CSP encourages agricultural and forestry producers to maintain existing conservation activities and adopt additional practices on their land. CSP provides opportunities to both recognize excellent stewards and implement new conservation practices.
Benefits to Landowner CSP provides participants with an annual payment for installing new conservation practices and maintaining existing activities. A supplemental payment may be earned for adopting a resourceconserving crop rotation.
Costs to Landowner CSP is an annual payment program, therefore there are no costs outside of installation and maintenance of the conservation practices.
Term 5-year contracts
Eligibility/Limitations CSP is available on private agricultural lands, as well as non-industrial private forestlands. Landowners interested in CSP are encouraged to begin the application process by completing a self-screening checklist. For all contracts, CSP payments to a person or legal entity may not exceed $40,000 in any year, and $200,000 during any 5-year period. Each CSP contract will be limited to $200,000 over the term of the initial contract period.
Eligible Practices Applications in Georgia are ranked based on four priority natural resource concerns: Water Quality, Water Quantity, Soil Quality and Soil Erosion. Two ranking pools are established for applications with similar resource concerns, one for North Georgia and one for South Georgia.
For More Information Contact your local office of the NRCS. See the directory for county-by-county contact information.
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ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY INCENTIVE PROGRAM (EQIP)
Description This Farm Bill program provides financial and technical assistance to landowners regarding management practices to protect soil, water, forest, and wildlife resources. Historically, animal waste systems, cropland resource management systems, and grazing land resource management systems have been soil and water resource focuses for Georgia. For forest and wildlife resource concerns, conservation practices that involve the promotion of the recovery of rare species have priority.
Benefits to Landowner Landowners receive technical assistance to reduce impacts to the environment and may receive financial assistance to cover 50-75% of the costs of implementing conservation practices. For beginning farmers or limited resource farmers, the federal government may cover up to 90% of the cost of implementing conservation practices.
Costs to Landowner Typically, landowners will be responsible for paying the difference in the cost-share, ranging from 25-50% out-of-pocket, for implementation of conservation practices
Term The minimum contract is two years and the maximum is 4 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 include prescribed burning, forest stand improvement, i.e. pine thinning, woods road improvements, installation of stream crossings for livestock, field borders, longleaf site prep and planting, hedgerows 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). See the directory for county-by-county contact information. Visit the NRCS Web site, www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov for more details.
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WILDLIFE HABITAT INCENTIVE PROGRAM (WHIP)
Description This Farm Bill program provides financial incentives to develop, enhance, or restore habitat for fish and wildlife on private lands. There is a focus on wetland and upland habitats supporting rare or declining wildlife species.
Benefits to Landowner Landowners can receive 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 length is 5 years. Agreements for less than five years are possible if emergency practices are necessary.
Eligibility/Limitations All privately owned lands over 10 acres 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). The maximum payment in Georgia is $15,000 per contract.
Eligible Practices Priority habitat types include Early Successional Plant Habitats, Longleaf Pine Ecosystems, Riparian Forest Buffers, Hardwood Communities, Wetland Habitat Management, and Endangered Species Habitat. 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 at their local NRCS office on a continuous basis (see directory). Visit the NRCS Web site, www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov for more details.
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PARTNERS FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE (PFW)
Description This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) program encourages private landowners to restore and enhance ecosystems to improve habitat for fish and wildlife. Priorities for funding in Georgia include longleaf pine habitat restoration, riparian and stream habitat restoration, and threatened and endangered species habitat restoration.
Benefits to Landowner Landowners obtain technical assistance for appropriate management and stewardship of priority resources, and financial support to implement restoration activities. Landowners may receive up to 100% of the costs of implementing wildlife habitat restoration activities.
Costs to Landowner The landowner or another partner 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 agree to maintain management practices/restored habitats for at least 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 stream restoration, livestock exclusion, and restoring native vegetation in uplands, including planting longleaf pine seedlings and establishing native ground cover.
For More Information Contact you nearest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office for more information (see directory) or visit the Web site: www.fws.gov/georgia
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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, designed to improve 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 of up to $1,350 over three years, along with planning assistance to groups or individuals interested in managing electrical or gas transmission right-ofways for wildlife. Grant recipients receive technical assistance in developing a wildlife plan and 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 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 are most common practices.
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
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SECTION 319 GRANT PROGRAM
Description The federally funded 319 Program is a water quality improvement cost-share program made possible by Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act. The program's primary focus is to prevent and control agricultural nonpoint source pollution within area watersheds. Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) will work with landowners to develop nutrient management plans and to install best management practices (BMPs) that will reduce water quality degradation.
Benefits to Landowner Landowners receive technical assistance to install BMPs to improve and protect surface water quality and reduce soil erosion. Financial cost-share assistance covers 60% of the costs of implementing conservation measures.
Costs to Landowner Landowners typically receive at least a 60% cost-share for the management practices installed. For extended stream buffer fencing, cost-share is also available at 80% and 100%, depending on the width of the buffer.
Term The maximum contract is one year. GSWCC requires that landowners maintain the practice according to NRCS life expectancy estimations, usually 5 to 10 years depending on the practice.
Eligibility/Limitations Funding is available to persons engaged in agricultural and livestock practices in project area watersheds. This is not a statewide program. Grant funds are received for designated watersheds. The GSWCC website defines the areas where ongoing projects are taking place.
Eligible Practices A majority of the practices listed in NRCS's Technical Guide addressing surface water quality are eligible for cost-share assistance. Potential practices include: installation of stream crossings for livestock, stream buffers, fencing, filter strips, stack houses, winter feeders, composters, incinerators, heavy use areas, water troughs and more.
For More Information GSWCC accepts applications on an ongoing basis in each project area until funds are obligated. Please visit the GSWCC website at www.gaswcc.org for more information. Interested parties can also contact their local regional offices for more information (see directory for listing).
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LAND CONSERVATION INCENTIVES
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CONSERVATION USE VALUATION ASSESSMENT (CUVA)
Description Certain properties, including agricultural lands, forestlands, and environmentally sensitive areas, may be eligible for reduced property tax rates through conservation use valuation assessment (CUVA). These properties are assessed according to a combination of soil type, productivity and a reduced fair market value factor. This typically results in a significant reduction of property taxes.
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 regulations for certification. 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, plus any applicable interest. If the property is sold during the covenant period, the new landowner must agree to continue the covenant or be responsible for penalties and taxes due if the covenant is breached under their ownership.
Term Landowners must promise to maintain their lands in the designated use (agriculture, forestry, or environmentally sensitive) for 10 years. Landowners can re-enroll after 10 years if they wish to remain in CUVA.
Eligibility Each county tax assessor's office administers the program independently, so application requirements may vary among counties. Generally, a minimum of 10 acres is required for enrollment, but some counties have recently increased the minimum acreage to 25 acres. No more than 2,000 acres can be enrolled in CUVA by any one non-industrial, private landowner. Foreign citizens and foreign corporations are not eligible to enroll. The land must be kept in its qualifying use and cannot be used for any non-agricultural commercial business.
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 (usually April 1st). For more specifics on CUVA, refer to the Georgia Department of Revenue's web page at www.etax.dor.ga.gov/PTD/cas/cuse/assmt.aspx.
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FOREST LAND PROTECTION ACT (FLPA)
Description Large tracts of privately or corporately owned forestlands may be eligible for reduced property tax rates through a recently enacted conservation use tax program. The Forestland Protection Act (FLPA), passed in 2008, established another class of conservation use valuation for large working forests. These properties are assessed according to soil type, productivity and a reduced fair market value factor similar to the formula that is used for CUVA properties (pg 15).
Benefits to Landowner Landowners receive a reduced ad valorem tax rate for property enrolled in FLPA.
Costs to Landowner There are no direct costs to the landowner for entering into a FLPA covenant. However, there are significant penalties for landowners who break the covenant before the end of the 15-year period. Owners who breach their conservation use covenant must pay back to the taxing authorities three times the savings they received if the breach occurs in the first five years of the covenant; 2 times if breached in years 6-10;and, 2 times if the covenant is breached in years 11-15. If the property is sold during the covenant period, the new landowner must agree to continue the covenant or be responsible for penalties.
Term Landowners must promise to maintain their lands in a qualified use for 15 years. Landowners can re-apply after 15 years if they wish to remain in the FLPA program.
Eligibility Eligible tracts must be used for subsistence or commercial production of trees, timber, or other wood and wood fiber products and the value of any residences on the property are excluded. Properties must be a minimum of 200 acres but unlike CUVA (pg 15), there is no maximum acreage cap. Eligible landowners need not be U.S. citizens and can be individuals or any entity registered to do business in Georgia.
Landowner Initiation Each county tax assessor's office administers the program independently, so application requirements may vary among counties. Contact your local county tax assessor's office for applications and enrollment information. Applications for FLPA 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 (usually April 1st). For more specifics on CUVA, refer to the Georgia Department of Revenue's web page at www.etax.dor.ga.gov/PTD/cas/cuse/assmt.aspx.
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CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
Description A conservation easement is a binding legal contract between a landowner and a qualified entity (easement holder) that ensures the conservation values on a piece of property are maintained. Easement holders include local, state, or federal agencies as well as nonprofit conservation organizations, typically referred to as land trusts. The protected property remains in private ownership and can be bought or sold, but the easement restrictions stay with the property. Conservation easements are typically granted in perpetuity, which means that the property is permanently protected by the easement terms. It is the easement holder's responsibility to monitor and enforce the terms of the easement. The specific terms in a conservation easement are variable and are negotiated between landowners and the easement holder based on the conservation values to be protected. Examples of rights typically extinguished by an easement include subdivision, future development, mining, billboards, utilities, and significant change of natural features. However, they may allow for continued agricultural or forestry use, or additional structures if not incompatible with the conservation purposes. Thus, they are a flexible tool to use to protect your property and help keep the land in its current condition for future generations.
Benefits to Landowner A donation of a permanent conservation easement is eligible for significant federal and state income tax incentives (see page 18 for more detailed information). It may also reduce the landowners' property taxes by reducing the assessed value of the land. Landowners may ask for a re-assessment by their local tax assessor after completing a conservation easement.
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 the land based on the amount of reserved rights, location, and size of the property. 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 may be 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 meet conservation purposes as defined by the IRS in order to qualify as a charitable gift and receive federal tax incentives. To receive the state income tax credit, the land must be certified for conservation purposes as defined by GA DNR. See tax credit page for more info (pg 18).
Landowner Initiation The first step in donating a conservation easement is finding a qualified organization or government agency willing to hold your easement. The directory (pg. 29) contains a list of land trusts in Georgia certified as of 2010 by GA DNR as qualified organizations to hold conservation easements for the state income tax credit. More in-depth information on conservation easements and the current incentives can be found at www.glcp.ga.gov or by calling 404.584.1101.
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TAX INCENTIVES FOR LAND CONSERVATION
There are a number of tax benefits associated with the donation of conservation easements. In order to be eligible for federal and state income tax reductions, the easement must be permanent, donated to a qualifying organization, and meet conservation purposes. An appraisal (at the landowners expense) is needed to establish the value of the donation to receive income tax benefits. It is also recommended to consult a tax professional and/or attorney for advice specific to your financial situation before making a donation. Federal farm bill programs that pay landowners for permanent conservation easements are not eligible for these tax incentives.
GEORGIA CONSERVATION TAX CREDIT
The state of Georgia provides a state income tax credit for the permanent protection of conservation land. The credit is worth up to 25% of the value of the donated property or 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. The credit is available for the fee-simple donation of permanently protected property or the donation of a permanent conservation easement on property made after Jan 1, 2006. Donations must be made to a qualified conservation organization (as certified by GA DNR) or to a state or local governmental agency. Bargain sales of property or easements below fair market value also qualify. To receive the state income tax credit, the land must be certified for conservation purposes by GA DNR. Certain properties are specifically not eligible for the state tax credit, including highly altered lands, golf courses, and lands already required to be protected by local ordinances or that were set aside to receive building density increases. After making a qualifying donation, the landowner must submit an application to GA DNR for certification. A certification letter by the Department is required to receive the credit. For more information on the tax credit, the certification process and a list of qualified organization, please see www.glcp.ga.gov/taxcredit or call 770-918-6411.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX BENEFITS
The IRS recognizes conservation easement donations as charitable contributions, and thus landowners can receive significant federal income tax deductions for donating property or donating conservation easements. Currently, taxpayers can deduct up to 30% of their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), up to the value of the donation, and use the deduction over six years. Recent legislation increased these AGI limits to 50% and increased the carry forward period to 16 years for donations of conservation easements only. However, that provision was only available for 2006-2009 and has since expired. There are numerous efforts to get that incentive reinstated, but as of the time of press, no legislation has passed. For the most current tax incentives available visit www.glcp.ga.gov or consult a tax professional.
ESTATE TAXES
For landowners that are land rich and cash poor, easements are an important estate-planning tool that can help you keep land in your family by lowering the amount of estate taxes due from heirs. As of press, estate tax legislation is still uncertain. So, consult a tax professional for the current incentives available or visit www.glcp.ga.gov for the latest information.
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GEORGIA LAND CONSERVATION PROGRAM (GLCP)
Description The Georgia Land Conservation Program was established in 2005 as a funding mechanism for land conservation across the state. The program offers low-interest loans and competitive grants to cities, counties, state agencies and conservation organizations to purchase land or permanent conservation easements. The State Legislature determines the amount of appropriated funding available for grants each year.
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. In addition, program staff is available to answer general questions on land conservation options and provide technical assistance and guidance related to land protection for landowners. 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 purchase conservation easements. State agencies like the Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Commission, and Soil and Water Conservation Commission are also eligible to apply for grants and loans in partnership with 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. Those interested in supporting land conservation in Georgia can donate money to the GLCP through the Statewide Land Conservation Income tax check-off when doing their state taxes.
19

FARM PROTECTION PROGRAM (FPP)
Description The FPP provides funds to help purchase conservation easements to keep productive farm and ranch land in agricultural uses. The program offers farmers facing high development pressure an alternative to selling their farms for non-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.
Benefits to Landowner Landowners are paid for placing a conservation easement on their property. The conservation easement restricts the farm from being developed and helps farmers stay in business by providing a financial boost. The owner continues to own and work the land, but the easement assures it will never be developed in the future. The value of the conservation easement is determined by an appraisal. The FPP is a matching program that can provide up to 50% of the costs to purchase a permanent conservation easement matched with funds from a local sponsor, government agency, or conservation group. Landowners may chose to donate up to 25% of the value of the easement, but the remaining 25% must come from a sponsoring government agency or non-profit organization. The donated portion of the easement may be eligible for state and federal income tax incentives (see page 18).
Costs to Landowner There are few costs to the landowner except for any costs associated with legal and financial counsel and with due diligence (i.e. surveys and appraisals). If seeking income tax benefits, landowners must pay for their own appraisal.
Term Conservations easements must be permanent in Georgia.
Eligibility Eligible land is privately owned land on a farm or ranch that contains either: 1) prime, unique, statewide or locally important soils, 2) historical or archaeological resources, or 3) land that furthers a State or local policy consistent with the purposes of the program. Eligible land must also have a pending offer with the easement buyer and may include cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland, and forestland, as well as wetlands and other incidental land that is part of an agricultural operation.
Landowner Initiation Since matching funds are required, a landowner should 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: www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp.html.
20

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 costshare agreements that restore wetlands. To ensure the protection of these wetlands, conservation easements are placed on the property that restrict certain uses. However, as with all easements, the landowner retains ownership of the land. See Conservation Easements on page 17 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 receive financial assistance 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 through WRP. 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 Landowners agree to restore degraded or lost wetland habitats and reduce the use of these wetlands for a period of 10 years. Landowners receive 75% cost-share for restoration expenses.
30-year Easements Landowners voluntarily agree to restore and protect wetlands for a period of 30 years. Landowners receive up to 75% cost-share for restoration practices. In addition, the USDA pays landowners 75% of the value of the easement (based on a geographic rate per acre) and all associated easement costs.
Permanent Easements Landowners agree to restore and permanently protect their wetlands with a permanent conservation easement. Landowners receive 100% cost-share for restoration activities. The USDA also pays 100% of the value of the easement (based on a geographic rate per acre) and all associated easement costs.
21

Eligibility/Limitations Landowners must have owned the property for 7 years or more to be eligible (a waiver exists for deeds through inheritance). The land must be restorable, consist of hydric soils, and contain wetlands that have been or are currently farmed or converted. Riparian areas and limited adjacent uplands may also be 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 activities, 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. Visit the NRCS Web site www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp.html, or see the directory on page 23 for county-by-county contact information.
22

DIRECTORIES
FINDING CONSERVATION AGENCY OFFICES BY COUNTY

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 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

GA Forestry Commission
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

DNR Game

USDA

Management

NRCS/FSA

UGA Coop Ext.

Fitzgerald

Baxley

Southeast

Fitzgerald

Pearson

Southeast

Fitzgerald

Alma

Southeast

Albany

Newton

Southwest

Greensboro/Eatonton/

Fort Valley

Sandersville

Northeast

Gainesville

Commerce

Northeast

Gainesville Watkinsville/Monroe

Northeast

Armuchee

Calhoun/Cartersville

Northwest

Fitzgerald Tifton/Benhill and Irwin

Southwest

Fitzgerald

Nashville

Southwest

Fort Valley

Fort Valley

Northwest

Fort Valley

Cochran

Southeast

Brunswick

Blackshear

Southeast

Albany

Quitman

Southwest

Brunswick Richmond Hill/Springfield Southeast

Fitzgerald

Statesboro

Southeast

Thomson

Waynesboro

Southeast

Fort Valley

McDonough

Northeast

Albany

Morgan

Southwest

Brunswick

Jesup/Brunswick

Southeast

Fitzgerald

Metter

Southeast

Armuchee

Carrollton

Northwest

Armuchee

LaFayette

Northwest

Fitzgerald Waycross/Blackshear

Southeast

Brunswick

Sylvania/Springfield

Southeast

Albany

Buena Vista

Northwest

Armuchee

La Fayette/Rome

Northwest

Armuchee

Calhoun

Northwest

Thomson

Watkinsville/Monroe

Northeast

Albany

Cuthbert

Southwest

Thomson

McDonough

Northwest

Fitzgerald

Valdosta/Nashville

Southwest

Armuchee

Marietta

Northwest

Fitzgerald

Douglas

Southeast

Albany

Moultrie

Southwest

Thomson

Thomson/Augusta

Northeast

Fitzgerald

Nashville/Adel

Southwest

Fort Valley

Newnan

Northwest

Fort Valley

Fort Valley

Northwest

Albany

Cordele

Southwest

Armuchee

LaFayette

Northwest

Gainesville

Gainesville

Northeast

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Brunswick Brunswick Brunswick Fort Benning
Athens Athens Athens Athens Townsend Townsend Athens Townsend Townsend Townsend Townsend Townsend Townsend Athens Fort Benning Townsend Townsend Fort Benning Athens Townsend Townsend Fort Benning Athens Athens Athens Fort Benning Athens Townsend Fort Benning Townsend Fort Benning Athens Townsend Fort Benning Athens Fort Benning Athens Athens

23

COUNTY Decatur DeKalb Dodge Dooly Dougherty Douglas Early Echols Effingham Elbert Emanuel Evans Fannin Fayette Floyd Forsyth Franklin Fulton Gilmer Glascock Glynn Gordon Grady Greene Gwinnett Habersham Hall
Hancock Haralson Harris Hart Heard Henry Houston Irwin Jackson Jasper Jeff Davis Jefferson Jenkins
Johnson Jones Lamar Lanier Laurens Lee Liberty Lincoln Long Lowndes Lumpkin Macon Madison Marion

GA Forestry Commission
Newnan Camilla McRae Americus Camilla Newnan Camilla Waycross Statesboro Washington Statesboro Statesboro Rome Newnan Rome Gainesville Gainesville Newnan Rome Washington Waycross Rome Camilla Washington Gainesville Gainesville Gainesville

DNR Game Management
Albany Thomson Fitzgerald
Albany Albany Armuchee Albany Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Thomson Fitzgerald Fitzgerald Armuchee Fort Valley Armuchee Gainesville Gainesville Thomson Armuchee Thomson Brunswick Armuchee Albany Thomson Thomson Gainesville Gainesville

Milledgeville Rome
Americus Gainesville
Newnan Newnan McRae McRae Gainesville Milledgeville Waycross Washington Statesboro

Thomson Armuchee Fort Valley Gainesville Fort Valley Fort Valley Fort Valley Fitzgerald Gainesville Fort Valley Fitzgerald Thomson Thomson

Milledgeville Milledgeville
Newnan Waycross
McRae Americus Statesboro Washington Statesboro Waycross Gainesville Americus Washington Americus

Thomson Fort Valley Fort Valley Fitzgerald Fitzgerald
Albany Brunswick Thomson Brunswick Fitzgerald Gainesville
Albany Gainesville
Albany

USDA NRCS/FSA Bainbridge Lawrenceville/Monroe
Eastman Vienna Albany/Morgan Carrollton Blakely Valdosta/Nashville Springfield Elberton Swainsboro Reidsville/Statesboro Blairsville McDonough Rome Gainesville Hartwell Carrollton/Marietta Blairsville Louisville/Thomson Brunswick/Jesup Calhoun Cairo Greensboro/Madison Lawrenceville/Monroe Clarkesville Gainesville Sandersville/ Greensboro Carrollton Buena Vista Hartwell Carrollton McDonough Perry/Fort Valley Ben Hill and Irwin Commerce Madison Hazlehurst Louisville Millen Wrightsville/ Sandersville Eatonton/Madison Barnesville Lakeland/Valdosta Dublin Leesburg Jesup/Richmond Hill Washington Jesup/Richmond Hill Valdosta Gainesville Oglethorpe Commerce Buena Vista
24

UGA Coop Ext.
Southwest Northwest Southeast Southwest Southwest Northwest Southwest Southwest Southeast Northeast Southeast Southeast Northeast Northwest Northwest Northwest Northeast Northwest Northeast Southeast Southeast Northwest Southwest Northeast Northwest Northeast Northeast

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fort Benning Athens
Townsend Fort Benning Fort Benning Fort Benning Fort Benning
Townsend Townsend
Athens Townsend Townsend
Athens Fort Benning
Athens Athens Athens Fort Benning Athens Athens Townsend Athens Fort Benning Athens Athens Athens Athens

Northeast Northwest Northwest Northeast Northwest Northwest Southwest Southwest Northeast Northeast Southeast Southeast Southeast

Athens Athens Fort Benning Athens Fort Benning Athens Townsend Townsend Athens Athens Townsend Athens Townsend

Southeast Northeast Northwest Southwest Southeast Southwest Southeast Northeast Southeast Southwest Northeast Southwest Northeast Southwest

Townsend Athens
Fort Benning Townsend Townsend
Fort Benning Townsend Athens Townsend Townsend Athens
Fort Benning Athens
Fort Benning

COUNTY McDuffie McIntosh Meriwether Miller Mitchell Monroe Montgomery Morgan Murray Muscogee Newton Oconee Oglethorpe Paulding Peach Pickens Pierce Pike Polk Pulaski Putnam Quitman Rabun Randolph Richmond Rockdale Schley Screven Seminole Spalding Stephens Stewart Sumter Talbot
Taliaferro Tattnall Taylor Telfair Terrell Thomas Tift Toombs Towns Treutlen Troup Turner Twiggs Union Upson Walker Walton Ware Warren Washington Wayne

GA Forestry Commission
Washington Statesboro
Newnan Camilla Camilla Milledgeville McRae Gainesville Rome Americus Newnan Gainesville Washington Rome Milledgeville Rome Waycross Newnan Rome McRae Milledgeville Americus Gainesville Americus Washington Newnan Americus Statesboro Camilla Newnan Gainesville Americus Americus Americus

DNR Game Management
Thomson Brunswick Fort Valley
Albany Albany Fort Valley Fitzgerald Thomson Armuchee Fort Valley Thomson Thomson Thomson Armuchee Fort Valley Armuchee Fitzgerald Fort Valley Armuchee Fort Valley Fort Valley Albany Gainesville Albany Thomson Thomson Albany Fitzgerald Albany Fort Valley Gainesville Albany Albany Fort Valley

Washington Statesboro Americus
McRae Americus Camilla Camilla
McRae Gainesville
McRae Newnan Camilla Milledgeville Gainesville Newnan Rome Gainesville Waycross Washington Milledgeville Waycross

Thomson Fitzgerald Fort Valley Fitzgerald
Albany Albany Albany Fitzgerald Gainesville Fitzgerald Fort Valley Albany Fort Valley Gainesville Fort Valley Armuchee Thomson Fitzgerald Thomson Thomson Brunswick

USDA NRCS/FSA Thomson Jesup/Richmond Hill Carrollton/Newnan
Colquitt Camilla Barnesville Mount Vernon Madison La Fayette/Calhoun Buena Vista Madison Watkinsville/Monroe Washington/Elberton Carrollton Fort Valley Cartersville/Calhoun Blackshear Barnesville Rome Hawkinsville/Cochran Eatonton Cuthbert Blairsville/Gainesville Cuthbert Augusta/Thomson Lawrenceville Americus Sylvania Donalsonville McDonough Eastanollee Preston/Americus Americus Buena Vista Washington/ Greensboro Reidsville Fort Valley McRae Dawson Thomasville Tifton Lyons Blairsville Mt. Vernon Lagrange/Carrollton Ashburn Cochran/Eastman Blairsville Barnesville LaFayette Monroe Waycross/Pearson Thomson/Louisville Sandersville Jesup
25

UGA Coop Ext.
Northeast Southeast Northwest Southwest Southwest Northeast Southeast Northeast Northwest Northwest Northwest Northeast Northeast Northwest Southwest Northeast Southeast Northwest Northwest Southwest Northeast Southwest Northeast Southwest Northeast Northwest Southwest Southeast Southwest Northwest Northeast Southwest Southwest Northwest

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Athens Townsend Fort Benning Fort Benning Fort Benning
Athens Townsend
Athens Athens Fort Benning Athens Athens Athens Athens Townsend Athens Townsend Fort Benning Athens Townsend Athens Fort Benning Athens Fort Benning Athens Athens Fort Benning Townsend Fort Benning Fort Benning Athens Fort Benning Fort Benning Fort Benning

Northeast Southeast Southwest Southeast Southwest Southwest Southwest Southeast Northeast Southeast Northwest Southwest Southeast Northeast Northwest Northwest Northeast Southeast Northeast Southeast Southeast

Athens Townsend Fort Benning Townsend Fort Benning Fort Benning Townsend Townsend
Athens Townsend Fort Benning Townsend
Athens Athens Fort Benning Athens Athens Townsend Athens Athens Townsend

COUNTY Webster Wheeler
White Whitfield Wilcox Wilkes Wilkinson Worth

GA Forestry Commission
Americus McRae

DNR Game Management
Albany Fitzgerald

Gainesville Rome McRae
Washington Milledgeville
Camilla

Gainesville Armuchee Fitzgerald Thomson Fort Valley
Albany

USDA NRCS/FSA
Preston McRae/Alamo
Gainesville/ Eastonollee
Dalton Rochelle Washington
Dublin Sylvester

UGA Coop Ext. Southwest Southeast

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fort Benning Townsend

Northeast Northwest Southwest Northeast Southeast Southwest

Athens Athens Townsend Athens Athens Fort Benning

GEORGIA FORESTRY COMMISSION DISTRICT OFFICES

1) Rome District Office 3086 Martha Berry Hwy NE
Rome, GA 30165 706.295.6021/6022

6) McRae District Office Route 1 Box 67
Helena, GA 31037 229.868.3385

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

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

26

U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

Southeast Regional Office 1875 Century Boulevard Atlanta, GA 30345 404.679.4000 North Georgia Office
105 Westpark Drive Suite D Athens, GA 30606 706.613.9493

Coastal Sub Office 4980 Wildlife Drive, NE Townsend, Georgia 31331
912.832.8739
West Georgia Office P.O. Box 52560
Fort Benning, GA 31995 706.544.6428

UGA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

Northwest 1109 Experiment Street Flynt Building Room 227
Griffin, GA 30223 770.228.7274
Northeast 302 Hoke Smith Building
Athens, GA 30602 706.542.3179

Southwest P.O. Box 1209 Tifton, GA 31793 229.386.3413
Southeast P.O. Box 8112 Statesboro, GA 30460 912.681.0177

GEORGIA SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Region 1 770 East Second Avenue, Ste J
Rome, GA 30161 706.295.6131
Region 2 P.O. Box 8024 4310 Lexington Rd Athens, GA 30603 706.542.9233
Region 3 1500 Klondike Rd
Ste A109 Conyers, GA 30094
770.761.3020
Region 4 3014 Heritage Rd, Ste 1 Milledgeville, GA 31061
478.445.5766

Region 5 4344 Albany Hwy Dawson, GA 39842
229.995.6001
Region 6 151 Langston Chapel
Rd, Ste 700 Statesboro, GA 30459
912.681.5241
State Office P.O. Box 8024 4310 Lexington Rd Athens, GA 30603 706.542.3065

27

GAME MANAGEMENT SECTION

NW Region I 2592 Floyd Springs Rd Armuchee, GA 30105
706.295.6041

E Central Region III 142 Bob Kirk Road NW
Thomson, GA 30824 706.595.4222

SW Region V 2024 Newton Road Albany, GA 31701
229.430.4254

Coastal Region VII One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520
912.262.3173

NE Region II 2150 Dawsonville Hwy Gainesville, GA 30501
770.535.5700

W Central Region IV 1014 MLK Jr. Blvd
Fort Valley, GA 31030 478.825.6354

S Central Region VI 1773-A Bowen's Mill Hwy Fitzgerald, GA 31750
229.426.5267

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
28

Brunswick Office One Conservation Way Brunswick, GA 31520
912.264.7355
Marine mammals, sea turtles, shorebirds, and other coastal
species

QUALIFIED LAND TRUSTS FOR THE GEORGIA STATE TAX CREDIT
AS OF MAY 2010

Athens Land Trust 685 N. Pope Street Athens, GA 30607 PH: 706-613-0122 www.athenslandtrust.org
Chattahoochee Valley Land Trust P.O. Box 175 Columbus, GA 31902 PH: 706-662-2211 www.galandtrust.org
Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 Elachee Drive Gainesville, GA 3050 PH: 770-535-1976 www.elachee.org
Georgia Wildlife Federation 11600 Hazelbrand Road Covington, GA 30014 PH: 770-787-7887 www.gwf.org
Mountain Conservation Trust of Georgia 104 North Main Street, Suite B3 Jasper, GA 30143 PH: 706-253-4077 www.mctga.org
North American Land Trust P.O. Box 467 Chadds Ford, PA 19317 PH: 706-338-2157 www.nalt.org
Southern Conservation Trust 192 McIntosh Trail Peachtree City, GA 30269 PH: 770-486-7774 www.sctlandtrust.org
The Conservation Fund 4500 Hugh Howell Rd, Suite 470 Tucker, GA 30084 PH: 770-414-0211 www.conservationfund.org
Tybee Island Land Trust 8 Fifth Street Tybee Island, GA 31328

Audubon Environmental Land Trust 1000 Saint Albans Dr., Suite 350 Raleigh, NC 27609 PH: 919-414-2611 www.aelandtrust.org
Chattooga Conservancy 8 Sequoia Hills Lane Clayton, GA 30525 PH: 706-782-6097 www.chattoogariver.org
Georgia Land Trust 428 Bull Street, Suite 210 Savannah, GA 31401 PH: 912-231-0507 www.galandtrust.org
Historic Columbus Foundation 1440 Second Avenue Columbus, GA 31901 PH: 706-322-0756 www.historiccolumbus.com
National Wild Turkey Federation 770 Augusta Road Edgefield, SC 29824 PH: 706-554-0592 www.nwtf.org
Oconee River Land Trust 380 Meigs St Athens, GA 30601 PH: 706-552-3138 www.orlt.com
St. Simons Land Trust P.O. Box 24615 St. Simons Island, GA 31522 PH: 912-638-9185 www.sslt.org
The Nature Conservancy
1330 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 410
Atlanta, GA 30309-2904 PH: 404-873-6946 www.nature.org/Georgia

Central Savannah River Land Trust P.O. Box 148 Augusta, GA 30903 PH: 706-312-5263 www.csrlt.org
Chattowah Open Land Trust 226 Old Ladiga Road Piedmont, AL 36272 PH: 256-447-1006 www.galandtrust.org
Georgia Piedmont Land Trust P.O. Box 3687 Suwanee, GA 30024 PH: 770-945-3111 www.gplt.org
Historic Savannah Foundation 321 East York Street Savannah, GA 31405 PH: 912-233-7787
www.historicsavannahfoundation.org
Newton County Land Trust Alliance P.O. Box 208 Covington, GA 30015-0208 PH: 770-786-4390
SE Regional Land Conservancy 6111 Peachtree-Dunwoody Rd. Bldg E, Suite 102 Atlanta, GA 30328 PH: 770-351-0411 x 307 www.serlc.org
Tall Timbers Land Conservancy 13093 Henry Beadel Drive Tallahassee, FL 32312-0918 PH: 850-893-4153 x 238 www.talltimbers.org
The Trust for Public Land
600 W. Peachtree St., NW, Suite 1840
Atlanta, GA 30308 PH: 404-873-7306 x 275 www.tpl.org

***IN ADDITION, GA DNR, GFC, SWCC AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE QUALIFIED TO
HOLD CONSERVATION EASEMENTS 29

USDA SERVICE CENTERS

NRCS, FSA, RC&D OFFICES

Adel Service Center 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 203 W Forest Avenue
Alamo, GA 30411 912.568.7411
Albany Service Center 125 Pine Avenue, Suite 150
Albany, GA 31701-4815 229.430.8510
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
229.567.3994
Athens State Office 355 E Hancock Avenue Athens, GA 30601-2775
706.546.2272
Augusta Service Center 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

Ben Hill and Irwin Service Center 163 Tech Point Drive Ocilla, GA 31774
Blackshear Service Center 709 Hendry Street
Blackshear, GA 31516-1019 912.449.673 ext.112
Blairsville Service Center 185 Wellborn Street
Blairsville, GA 30512-3549 706.745.2794
Blakely Service Center 413 Arlington Avenue
Blakely, GA 31723-1607 229.723.3193
Brunswick Service Center 3661 Altama Avenue
Brunswick, GA 31520-3631 912.265.8092
Buena Vista Service Center 111 Baker Street Suite D
Buena Vista, GA 31803-9362 229.649.3131
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 229.336.1451

Clarkesville Service Center 555 Monroe Street
Clarkesville, GA 30523-7815 706.754.6239
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 706.335.7145
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 1407 Applewood 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

30

Douglas Service Center 703 Ward Street E
Douglas, GA 31533-0311 912.384.4811
Dublin Service Center 100 N Franklin Street Dublin, GA 31021-6799
478.272.0425
Eastanollee Service Center 250 Clary Connector
Eastanollee, GA 30577 706.779.2134
Eastman Service Center 230 Foster Street Suite C 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
Fort Valley Service Center 1030 Peach Parkway, Suite 4
Fort Valley, GA 31030 478.827.0016
Gainesville Service Center 734 E Crescent Drive
Gainesville, GA 30501-5082 770.536.0549
Greensboro Service Center 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 105 N Lumpkin Street
Hawkinsville, GA 31036-1768 478.783.1391
Hazlehurst Service Center 9 E Franklin Street
Hazlehurst, GA 31539 912.375.2015
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 100 Ridley Avenue
LaGrange, GA 30240-0817 706.885.0101
Lakeland Service Center 1014 West Thigpen Lakeland, GA 31635 229.241.6635
Lawrenceville Service Center 750 S Perry Street Suite 410 Lawrenceville, GA 30045-4804 770.963.9288
Lyons Service Center 200 Courthouse Square Lyons, GA 30436-1010
912.526.6154
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

Madison Service Center 205 E Jefferson Street
Madison, GA 30650-1701 706.342.1315
Marietta Service Center 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 229.868.5696
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
Morgan, GA 39866-0066 229.849.2415
Moultrie Service Center 360 Veterans Pkwy N
Moultrie, GA 31788-4178 229.985.5399
Mt Vernon Service Center 303 S Richardson Street Mount Vernon, GA 30445 912.583.4432

31

Newton Service Center County Ag Building, Hwy 37
Newton, GA 31770 229.734.5272
Nashville Service Center 516A County Farm Rd Ste 2
Nashville, GA 31639 229.686.2363
Newnan Service Center 580 Highway 34 E, Suite C
Newnan, GA 30265 770.253.2555
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
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
Richmond Hill Service Center 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
Sandersville Service Center 1222 South Harris Street
Sandersville, GA 31802-6912 478.552.6073
Springfield Service Center 203 S Laurel 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
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 229.242.0841
Vienna Service Center 1150 Industrial Dr, Suite 201
Vienna, GA 31092 229.268.9106
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 601 Tebeau Street, Rm 210 Waycross, GA 31501-4701
912.285.5975
Waynesboro Service Center 715 W 6th Street
Waynesboro, GA 30830 706.554.2109
Wrightsville Service Center 6818 E College Street Wrightsville, GA 31096 478.864.2810

32

PRIVATE LANDS PROGRAM

Game Management Section

Nongame Conservation Section

Forest Stewardship Program North: 770.761.1697 South: 229.420.1290
Bobwhite Quail Initiative East: 706.554.3745
Southwest: 229.420.1212 Central: 478.296.6176
Headquarters 116 Rum Creek Drive
Forsyth, GA 31029 478.994.7583

Habitat Restoration/Rare Species 116 Rum Creek Drive Forsyth, GA 31029 478.994.1438
Land Conservation/Tax Incentives 2065 Hwy 278 SE
Social Circle, GA 30025 770.918.6411 or 770.761.3043
Assistance near Military Installations 22814 Highway 144
Richmond Hill, GA 31324 912.727.2112

Private Lands Program Offices

DADE

CATOOSA

FANNIN

W ALKER

MURRAY

WHITFIELD

GILMER

TOWNS UNION

RABUN

WHITE HABERSHAM

Bobwhite Quail Initiative and Other Services

CHATTOOGA

GORDON

PICKENS

LUMPKIN

STEPHENS FRANKLIN

Monroe, Burke, Laurens, Dougherty

DAW SON

HALL

BANKS

HART

FLOYD POLK

BARTOW CHEROKEE FORSYTH

JACKSON

ELBERT MADISON

COBB

GWINNETT BARROW CLARKE OGLETHORPE

Forest Stewardship
Walton, Dougherty

PAULDING HARALSON
DEKALB DOUGLAS FULTON

OCONEE
WALTON

W ILKES

LINCOLN

CARROLL

CLAYTON

ROCKDALE NEW TO N

MORGAN

GREENE TALIAFERRO

COLUMBIA MCDUFFIE

FAYETTE

HENRY

W ARREN

RICHMOND

?

HEARD

COWETA

SPALDING

JASPER BUTTS

PUTNAM

HANCOCK

GLASCOCK

TROUP

MERIWETHER PIKE

JONES
LAMAR MONROE

BALDWIN

JEFFERSON WASHINGTON

BURKE

HARRIS

UPSON

BIBB

TALBOT

CRAWFORD

WILKINSON TWIGGS

JENKINS

JOHNSON

EM ANUEL

SCREVEN

MUSCOGEE

TAYLOR

MARION

PEACH BLECKLEY
HOUSTON

LAURENS
TREUTLEN

BULLOCH CANDLER

EFFINGHAM

CHATTAHOOCHEE

MACON

MONTGOMERY

SCHLEY

STEW ART

WEBSTER SUMTER

DOOLY

PULASKI

DODGE

WHEELER

CRISP

WILCOX

TELFAIR

EVANS TOOMBS TATTNALL

BRYAN
LIBERTY

QUITMAN

TERRELL LEE

RANDOLPH

TURNER

BEN HILL

JEFF DAVIS APPLING

LONG

CHATHAM

CLAY

CALHOUN

DOUGHE RTYW ORTH

TIFT

IRWIN

EARLY

BAKER

BERRIEN

MILLER

MITCHELL

COLQUITT

COOK

COFFEE ATKINSON

BACON

W AYN E

PIERCE

WARE

BRANTLEY

MCINTOSH GLYNN

SEMINOLE DECATUR

GRADY

THOMAS

BROOKS

LANIER LOWNDES

CLINCH

CHARLTON

CAMDEN

ECHOLS

Nongame Technical Assistance

Monroe, Bryan

Land Conservation/Tax credits

Walton

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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.
EDITORS:
Joe Burnam, Sharon Holbrooks, and Kristina Sorensen Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division Nongame Conservation Section
FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES:
Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division
Nongame Conservation Section 2065 US Highway 278 SE
Social Circle, Georgia 30025 770.918.6411
or download from the web at: www.georgiawildlife.com and www.glcp.ga.gov

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