As appeared in the Mainstreet News, Jefferson, Ga.
By Hannah Freeman, MainStreet News in Jackson County
As Jackson County experiences unprecedented growth, a community-based land trust is working to ensure the natural beauty that drew people here doesn’t disappear beneath concrete and asphalt.
The North Georgia Land Trust, founded in 2023 by Brent Hoffman, partners with landowners who want to preserve their property for future generations. With Jackson County ranking among the top 10 fastest-growing counties in the United States, the nonprofit’s mission has taken on new urgency.
“All land is destined to be developed, but we have some choices on how to develop it,” Hoffman said. “Those are the kind of options we’d like to educate landowners about.”
How it works
Landowners can either donate their property to the Trust, or enter a conservation easement — a voluntary legal agreement that permanently limits how land can be used while allowing the owner to retain certain rights.
Under the terms of their agreement with the Trust, landowners who enter a conservation easement may still develop portions of their property in accordance with the covenants outlined in that agreement.
Hoffman noted it is ultimately up to the landowner what they do with their property.
“What we do is voluntary, and it’s done altruistically by people who say ‘You know what, my land is more important to me,’” he said.
Both options come with significant tax benefits. Hoffman explained land donations can be written off for the total appraised value of property, up to 30% of the donor’s adjusted gross income annually for up to five years.
Farmers who enter conservation easements receive an even greater benefit — they can deduct 100% of their donation from their taxes.
But John Vardeman, a trustee with the organization, said money isn’t the only reason landowners should consider partnering with the Trust.
“Most people will do it because it’s in their heart,” he said. “Because they love the land and they just want to see it protected for generations.”
A race against development
In Jackson County, the desire to protect land is running up against rapid growth. Hoffman said the organization is focused on reaching landowners before development pressures become overwhelming.
“We’re trying to educate landowners that are in the line of fire of development,” he said.
Vardeman said now is the time for landowners to consider their legacy — not only for themselves, but for the region.
“We are having a lot of development in this area, and we feel it’s very important to have a land trust for people who would like to donate their land or put it into a conservation easement,” he said. “So that we can preserve some of the beautiful things that, quite frankly, are the reason a lot of people moved here.”
Not only is the Trust dedicated to preserving the beauty of natural green spaces, it also promises to keep donated land open to the public.
“If you donate the property to us, then our goals will always be to make the land accessible for low-intensity walking, jogging, Frisbee, golf, hunting,” Hoffman said. “So people get to enjoy the outdoors more.”
But Vardeman wants to make clear the Trust isn’t made up of strict conservationists. The organization recognizes economic development brings jobs, tax revenue and opportunity.
“We understand the balance between economic development, which is good, and conservation,” Vardeman said. “There’s a healthy balance.”
For Hoffman, striking that balance comes down to what lasts.
“If you really think about it, what we do is one of the few things that’s really forever,” he said. “You donate it, it’ll be green forever.”
For landowners interested in donating their land to the North Georgia Land Trust, please contact (770) 540-5373 or go to https://northgeorgialandtrust.org/ for more information.
