Towards a Characterization of Working Forest Conservation Easements in Georgia, USA

Tyler Reeves,Susana Ferreira,Pete Bettinger,Bin Mei,Jacek Siry

doi:10.3390/f11060635

Abstract

We examine the attributes of working forest conservation easements in Georgia. Easement contracts and baseline reports are inspected to investigate easement themes, land use types, recreation opportunities, hydrological features, and forest management activity. Easement themes are heavily weighted towards themes of protecting natural habitat and preserving the conservation values of properties. Predominant land use types include wildlife food plots, bottomland hardwoods, and planted pine stands. Common hydrological features found were small creeks/streams and ponds. Lastly, forest management was characterized as having small amounts of restrictions present, with forest management being largely similar to other unencumbered property in the southeastern USA. This information can be used as a reference for landowners interested in establishing a working forest conservation easement (WFCE) on their property as well as a tool for comparison for researchers investigating easement characteristics in other regions.

Highlights

Georgia has over 24 million acres of commercially-available timberland, more than any other state in the United States (USA) [1]
Many of the findings of this study suggest some general patterns that may be present on working forest conservation easement (WFCE) in Georgia and potentially throughout the southeastern USA
WFCEs in Georgia largely demonstrate an embodiment of the two main objectives of this property type, active forest management and conservation

Summary

Introduction

Georgia has over 24 million acres of commercially-available timberland, more than any other state in the United States (USA) [1]. This forest resource is a valuable stock of natural capital to Georgia’s economy, providing wood and fiber inputs as well as other nonmarket ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and recreational opportunities. Urbanization is the largest reason for forest conversion to nonforest uses in Georgia [1]. This development trend is not limited to Georgia, as Wear and Greis [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion