Georgia Water/Laws/Land Conservation Act

Georgia Land Conservation Act, O.C.G.A. § 36-22-1

Summary of the Act
“Passed by the Georgia legislature in 2005, this law promotes land conservation by providing funds to state and local governments and encouraging partnerships with the private sector. The law also establishes the Georgia Land Conservation Revolving Loan Fund that will be managed by the Georgia Environmental Facility Authority (GEFA), which will provide a variety of funding options by which conservation easements or fee simple interest can be purchased. Operations of the fund and the authority are overseen by the Georgia Land Conservation Council, which is responsible for reviewing all project proposals and making recommendations for the distribution of funds. The act directs Georgia DNR to establish a land conservation program consistent with these purposes, to work with local governments to identify and review land conservation projects, and to maintain a geographic information system designed to serve as a comprehensive database of land protection activities. It also directs the Department to work with the Georgia Forestry Commission, State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, University System of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service and others to provide information and technical support to facilitate land conservation projects. Nongovernmental organizations are also encouraged to provide education to public and private sectors and to partner with counties, cities, and the Department on land conservation projects.” Department of Natural Resources, Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy, Appendix G