The Georgia General Assembly has made it possible for eligible landowners to do good for their land while doing well for their pocketbook. Those who protect their qualifying land with a conservation easement by year-end and sell the resulting tax credits can earn as much as $500,000.

While the process is complex, each year critical habitat receives permanent protection through this program.

In order to qualify, the land must meet two of the following five criteria:

1) Protect water quality of rivers, marshes, creeks or springs

2) Protect wildlife habitat consistent with state wildlife conservation policies

3) Protect outdoor recreation consistent with state outdoor recreation policies

4) Protect prime agricultural or forestry lands

5) Protect cultural sites, heritage corridors, archaeological and historic resources

The protection required is a permanent conservation easement which prohibits development or invasive mining practices and other uses which threaten clean water and open space. The landowner may still farm, manage timber, hunt, fish, hike or engage in other activities they have enjoyed on their property.

For those interested in protecting their land for future generations in this manner, the Georgia Conservancy can help. As Georgia’s oldest state-focused conservation organization, its staff has worked with hundreds of landowners to help bring protection to their special places. Its clients have received millions of dollars in cash payments and tax savings as a result of entering into conservation easements.

Email any questions to Clay Mobley at cmobley@gaconservancy.org or call (912) 447-5910.