A Message from the Executive Director

You see it everyday - forests and pastures are transformed to red dirt, parking lots and subdivisions. The Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Assoc. reports that metro Atlanta has led the nation in home building for 13 years in a row.

There’s no doubt that North Atlanta’s growth has moved to the Southern Crescent. The facts: Henry County’s population grew 87% between 1990 and 1999. Fayette’s increased by 45%. 

According to the Atlanta Regional Commission’s 2003 Population and Housing Report, “Development is clearly shifting to the south side. Since 2000, 41% of the region’s population increase has been captured” in the Southern Crescent. 

This explosive growth brings more prosperity and choices for residents, along with the risk of polluted streams and loss of natural areas. 

It doesn't have to be this way. Just as growth requires expansion of infrastructure—sewer, water lines, roads—we can also plan for “green infrastructure”  - a network of parks and natural open space in our communities. 

Recently voters in Carroll, Douglas, DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties approved tax increases and bond referendums to purchase greenspace. 

Now is the time to invest in greenspace. Preserving land is good for business, creates great communities , offers recreational opportunities and provides beauty for the soul.

Peachtree City leaders had this vision 25 years ago. Today the folks with the Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance (CHCA) are providing a new model for growth in rural South Fulton.  

Their innovative plan, supported by Fulton County plans and ordinances, encourages developers to purchase development rights from willing landowners in order to build in targeted areas with planned infrastructure, thus permanently preserving up to 80% of the area as it develops. 

This makes great economic sense; in fact the surrounding greenspace will raise property values and contribute to a highly desirable community.  

That’s the Trust’s approach in a nutshell: a balance of development and land conservation that improves our communities and our lives. 

We are pleased that CHCA has chosen the Trust for a pilot study with 3 South Fulton landowners. 

In 2006 the Trust will host a community forum in Fayette County for landowners and professionals on the benefits and options for greenspace protection in the Southern Crescent. 

We can’t wait. Together let’s protect nature, today and for future generations.