Georgia Water/Policy/Georgia Conservation Use Act

Water Resources
Planning and Management
in Georgia

1. Water Policy
2. Management
3. Information
4. Planning
5. Statewide Plan
6. Regional Plans
7. References

Chapter 2. Water Policy

2.3. Georgia Water Law

Summary of the Act

"This Georgia law provides significant property tax reductions to qualified landowners who conserve environmentally sensitive lands for ten years. Environmentally sensitive areas include habitats with endangered species, wetlands, floodplains, stream corridors, undeveloped barrier islands, steep slopes and wildlife habitat larger than ten acres.

This program can build landowner awareness of and appreciation for conservation needs and incentives, which in turn can lead to a commitment to more permanent land conservation (e.g., a conservation easement in perpetuity). Unfortunately, rules promulgated under this law make it difficult for landowners to have their lands designated and assessed as “environmentally sensitive lands”. The rules should be modified to make it easier for landowners to take advantage of the tax incentives afforded to those who are willing to protect such lands for ten years." [1]

References

1. Appendix G. Laws and regulations affecting wildlife in Georgia