Georgia Land Conservation Program

The Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP) works to permanently protect land and water resources in the U.S. state of Georgia through public/private partnerships.^[1] Created in 2005 by former Governor Sonny Perdue through the Georgia Land Conservation Act,^[2] the GLCP provides grants, low-interest loans, and tax credits to achieve permanent land conservation through conservation easements^[3] and fee simple ownership.^[4]

Conservation objectives

Managed by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority,^[5] the GLCP has 10 conservation objectives:

• Water quality protection
• Flood prevention
• Wetlands preservation^[6]
• Erosion prevention
• Wildlife habitat maintenance
• Preserving agriculture
• Enhancing historic sites
• Maintaining scenic views
• Recreation provision
• Connecting natural and recreational areas^[1]

The Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program

The GLCP also administers the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program. The tax credit allows landowners who donate fee-title lands or permanent conservation easements to apply for a credit against their state income taxes. Approved donors may earn credits equal to 25 percent of the fair market value of their donations, up to $250,000 for individual donors, and $500,000 for corporate and partnership donors.^[1]

The Land Conservation Council

The Land Conservation Council, which governs the GLCP, includes five state agency leaders and four gubernatorial appointments.^[1]