Vision Statement: The Georgia Land Conservation Program (GLCP) will work to enhance the State's natural and cultural legacy by permanently protecting Georgia's most valued resources through public/private partnerships in a manner that aligns the State's conservation needs with the ability to steward the land.
Mission Statement: The GLCP is an investment in our future and a commitment to our children and grandchildren to preserve a statewide network of land and water resources; prime agricultural and forest lands; and natural, historic and recreational areas for current and future generations to use and enjoy.
The Land Conservation Act (O.C.G.A. §12-6A) creates and charges the Georgia Land Conservation Council to pursue these vision and mission statements with staff support from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). The primary function of the GLCP is to provide flexible financing to local governments, state agencies and conservation organizations for permanent land conservation projects that advance at least one of ten conservation purposes:
- Water quality protection for rivers, streams, and lakes;
- Flood protection;
- Wetlands protection;
- Reduction of erosion through protection of steep slopes, areas with erodible soils, and stream banks;
- Protection of riparian buffers and other areas that serve as natural habitat and corridors for native plant and animal species;
- Protection of prime agricultural and forestry lands;
- Protection of cultural sites, heritage corridors, and archaeological and historic resources;
- Scenic protection;
- Provision of recreation in the form of boating, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, running, jogging, biking, walking, and similar outdoor activities; and
- Connection of existing or planned areas contributing to the goals set out in this paragraph.
The GLCP also funds the administration of the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program, which offers tax incentives for eligible donations of conservation lands and easements.
More information about the GLCP can be found in the program's Annual Reports. Contact us for consultations, referrals, and other technical support with land conservation initiatives.