The Importance of Land Protection
Possible Tax Benefits
OUR EASEMENTS
Since its inception in 1993, ORLT has protected 2,154 acres on 28 conservation easements; they also have one fee ownership. ORLT primarily protects land in the Upper Oconee River Watershed but some extend to the Broad and Alcovy Watersheds. At the present time, ORLT protects land in the following nine counties: Baldwin, Barrow, Clarke, Hancock, Jackson, Madison, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton.
2011 map of ORLT conservation easements
Wellman Conservation Easement
The Wellman easement is owned by Walter and Susan Wellman of Walton County. They have protected almost 200 acres of land through a conservation easement. This property, which borders the Alcovy River and is near Alcovy Mountain, includes a wide forested buffer along the river, as well as meadows and forested slopes. The Wellmans’ continued commitment to our green heritage is much appreciated.
Landowner Wellman speaks of future plans to develop his land in the manner that his conservation easement allows him to and has expressed his satisfaction with the restrictions outlined in his easement. He stated that by protecting his land he had also protected his future interests and development plans.
Allen Conservation Easement
Dr. David Allen, a retired Atlanta oral surgeon and enthusiastic outdoorsman, and his family, have protected 124 acres of pasture and timber land in Walton County. This land, located partially within the city limits of Social Circle, lies squarely within the path of Atlanta’s ever- expanding growth. The Allens felt a strong desire to do something that was right for their land, their family, and the rest of their community. Now the property will remain a green oasis for future generations.
“I chose to protect my land because of my firm belief that all Georgians need to have green space preserved – the future will depend on decisions that address quality-of-life issues,” – Dr. David Allen
Goldwaithe Conservation Easement
The Goldthwaite sisters, Lerea, Cindy, and Patricia, of Walton County have protected their 74-acre property, which borders Hard Labor Creek State Park. This land, a mix of meadows and forest, will provide a buffer for our state park, protect the water quality of Hard Labor Creek, and provide habitat for piedmont plants and animals. The Goldthwaites worried that the woodland experiences and views they grew up with were rapidly disappearing and found that to be an intolerable loss.
“We feel relieved and have peace of mind knowing that it is protected. The fact that it is preserved makes us happy. At least there is a little oasis here.” – Lerea Goldwaithe
Bath Conservation Easement
On the day after Christmas, 2002, the Oconee River Land Trust received a wonderful gift – a conservation easement on 260.1 acres on Snows Mill Road in southwestern Oconee County. The donors were Jane and Nick Bath, who chose to permanently protect their property from potentially unwise development. The mostly gently rolling land is about half forested with hardwoods, and has 3,000 feet of frontage on the Apalachee River. That frontage includes remnants of the dam associated with historic Snows Mill, which lies across the river in Walton County. There is also half of the bridge that once carried wagon loads of grain to be ground in the mill in the 1800’s and in the early 1900’s. The Bath’s have converted the remains of the bridge into a unique cabin-like structure for a summer retreat over the cooling water. Nearby is the foundation of the general store that served the residents of the local area.
In addition to the river as an attraction for wildlife, a small creek divides the tract into roughly equal parts. The west side is mostly forest, with two narrow meadows to provide plenty of edge habitat for wildlife. The east side, (nearest the road) has the most open field, the historic area, the owners’ dwellings, and a 3-acre pond. All in all, the easement has something for about any species of wildlife one could expect to see in the Georgia Piedmont, and Jane Bath says she has seen them all. And this is in addition to the historic remnants, which are like icing on the cake.
Wright-Widener Conservation Easement
coming soon
380 Meigs Street · Athens, GA 30601 • Telephone: (706) 552-3138 • E-Mail: steffney99@gmail.com