Forest Land Protection Act

The Forest Land Protection Act of 2008 (O.C.G.A. 48-5-7.7) provides for an ad valorem tax exemption for property primarily used for the good faith subsistence or commercial production of trees, timber, or other wood and wood fiber products and excludes the entire value of any residence located on the property. Forest land conservation use property may include land that has been certified as environmentally sensitive property by the Department of Natural Resources or property that is kept in accordance with a recognized sustainable forestry certification program.  The property may have secondary uses such as the promotion, preservation, or management of wildlife habitat; carbon sequestration in accordance with the Georgia Carbon Sequestration Registry; mitigation and conservation banking that results in restoration or conservation of wetlands and other natural resources; or the production and maintenance of ecosystem products and services such as, but not limited to, clean air and water. 

This *15-year covenant agreement between the taxpayer and local board of assessors is limited to forest land tracts consisting at least 200 acres when owned by an individual or individuals or by any entity registered to do business in Georgia.  Property that qualifies for forest land conservation use assessment and that is already receiving preferential or current use assessment can be changed one time to a forest land conservation use covenant without penalty.

*2019 and forward are 10-year covenant agreements.

For full and current information please view Georgia Code 48-5-7.7

Time to Submit Application

January 1 to April 1 is the time to submit applications for specialized assessments or in lieu of an appeal during the 45 day period after receiving your notice of assessment in May.