2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 15

Coleman W. Dangerfield, Jr., David H. Newman, and Bob Izlar, Warnell School of Forest Resources, The University of Georgia, Forest Resources 4-401, Athens, GA 30602; 706.542.7602; dangerfi@smokey.forestry.uga.edu

During the late 1980s issues of county ad valorem taxation for agricultural and forest land and growing timber came to the front of public interest. Concern centered on the points of conservation of land in long-term environmentally friendly uses and the continued profitability of agricultural and forest farming through fair and equitable taxation. Through the expression of taxpayer concern for these ad valorem tax issues, The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service recognized in proposed legislation the need and opportunity to develop a public issues and policy education approach to the problem. This program features faculty involvement in the public issues education process beginning with use of research-based information in the awareness stage working with the voting public on the need for new policy. The program continued through formation and implementation of public policy legislation and regulations with legislators and involved state agencies. The education program continued with county extension agent training, landowner meetings, legislative up-dates and changes, and program evaluation. At all stages of program development Extension agents and agricultural/timber producers were kept involved. Continued emphasis in the application of a non-industrial private forest landowner program covering ad valorem property tax incentives for the Georgia forest landowner has yielded benefits for forestry and agriculture. Over 55,000 qualified landowners earned more than $33 million in tax savings through the Conservation Use program during the past year. Almost $120 million in property tax benefits has been earned by qualified Georgia agricultural and forest landowners since the program began in 1992.