Media Contact:
Liz Cooper 
770-570-7322

Union County is making major strides in protecting its rural landscape with the launch of the Land Preservation and Easement Program. This initiative, led by the Union County Soil and Water Conservation District, aims to conserve farmland and maintain the County’s agricultural heritage amidst population and development growth.

At the Feb. 3 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Alan Aldridge, Director of the Soil and Water Conservation District, highlighted the urgency of this effort. “Union County ranks 13th in the nation for loss of open space,” Aldridge explained. “This program gives us a tool to preserve our agricultural roots for future generations.”

The Land Preservation and Easement Program allows landowners to voluntarily place a conservation easement on their property. This legal agreement permanently limits the use of the land to protect its agricultural and environmental value, while the landowner retains ownership. In return, landowners receive financial compensation for a portion of the land’s value and may benefit from tax incentives.

Funding for the program comes from the Present-Use Value (PUV) program’s rollback taxes - funds collected from properties transitioning out of agricultural use. The Board unanimously approved the use of these funds in November 2023, dedicating $969,000 to the initiative.

County Commissioners have expressed strong support for the program. “Good land like you have here - they don’t make it anymore,” said Commissioner Gary Sides. “Once it’s turned into a shopping center or residential neighborhood, it doesn’t go back to farmland.” Commissioner Brian Helms added, “This speaks to the fabric of Union County. Agriculture is so important to us, and maintaining these permanent easements to ensure these properties remain agriculturally based is immensely important, especially considering the residential growth we’ve seen in this area.”

Looking ahead, the Soil and Water Conservation District has applied for additional grants and opportunities. Stakeholders involved in setting priorities include landowners, the Soil and Water Board of Supervisors, the Agricultural Advisory Board, and the Rural Land Committee.

Union County residents recently had the opportunity to share their thoughts on rural land use through an online survey. The feedback from this survey will help guide the County’s future land use decisions and further shape the Land Preservation Program.

For more information about the Union County Land Preservation and Easement Program, watch the Feb. 3 Board of Commissioners meeting.