The Georgia Land Conservation Program

glcp.orgPreserving our natural resources for

generations of Georgians to come

The Georgia Land Conservation Act

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

“This act will preserve a statewide network of land and water resources, prime agricultural and forestry lands, and natural, historic and recreational areas for generations to enjoy.”

- Governor Sonny Perdue, 1/31/05

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

Initial funding of $100 million.

Georgia Land Conservation Council

Gena L Abraham, Ph.D.ChairpersonState Property Officer Noel HolcombCommissionerGeorgia Department of Natural Resources

Mike BeattyCommissionerGeorgia Department of Community Affairs

Robert FarrisActing DirectorGeorgia Forestry Commission

Brent L. DykesActing Executive DirectorGeorgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission

Chuck LeavellOwner, Charlane PlantationMusician

Dr. John Bembry Tree Farmer & Veterinarian

Stacy R. PattonManaging MemberMinerva Real Estate Investment and Development

E. Wade ShealyManaging MemberHampton Island Preservation LLC

What Does the GLCP Offer?

– Grants to cities, counties, or DNR for fee title or conservation easement purchases from the Georgia Land Conservation Trust Fund (GLCP strives for a 3:1 funding ratio for grants– Low Interest Loans (3%) to cities and counties for fee title or conservation easement purchases from the Georgia Land Conservation Revolving Loan fund;– Tax incentives for donations of conservation lands;– Consultation, referrals, and other technical support for those seeking to carry out land conservation initiatives;

GEFA administered funds:– $55M Conservation Revolving Loan Fund available to local

municipalities at low interest rates– $5M (+ tax donations) in grant money available to cities

and counties. Additional $5M recommended in FY08.– $50M recommended in Amended FY07 Budget for projects

of statewide significanceDNR administered funds:– $25M in bond funds– $20M available in private foundation funds to DNR for key

property acquisitions

Funding For GLCP to Date

2005-06 GLCP Projects Summary

– 24 Conservation Projects Across Georgia totaling 36,000+ acres

– Total value of projects: $70+ Million– Total state investment: $20+ Million– Greater than 3:1 funding leverage ratio– 8 Conservation easement and 18 fee title

acquisitions– Wide geographic spread across the state– 6 outright gifts of property to the state

Leveraging Opportunities (Public Sources)

– Federal Wildlife Conservation Programs (Forest Legacy, Endangered Species, Wetlands Conservation grant programs)

– Federal Farm Bill Programs (Farmland Protection and Wetland Reserve grant programs)

– Department of Defense Base Buffering Programs– Wetland Mitigation Programs (public and private)– Local Governments (SPLOST funds, etc.)

Leveraging Opportunities (Private Sources)

– Private Foundations – Non Governmental Organizations (Nature

Conservancy, Trust for Public Land, Conservation Fund, Georgia Land Trust, others)

– Private Citizens and Landowners who want to conserve their Lands

Overview of Application Process

Step 1: Applicant

submits pre-application or consults with

staffStep 2: Staff reviews

proposed project for program

eligibilityStep 3: If eligible, applicant

submits full application and supplemental

materials

Step 4: Staff reviews and

scores complete application

Step 5: Staff consults with applicant to

discuss application and funding options

Step 7: Staff presents findings

to Land Conservation

CouncilStep 8: Land Conservation

Council considers project and, if

approved, proposes funding

mechanism (grant, loan or

hybrid)Step 9: Staff

executes contractStep 6: Staff

presents findings to GEFA Board

FINISHFINISH

STARTSTART

The Georgia Land Conservation Program Curt Soper

Jennifer SpiveyKristina Sorensen

glcp.org404-463-5715 or 404-584-1101

Preserving our natural resources for generations of Georgians to come

For more information contact…..