Former Bear Creek Golf Course in Douglas County Placed Under Permanent Conservation

SCT Team • May 23, 2022

The Southern Conservation Trust, a Georgia-based land conservation organization working to protect vital habitats and natural resources, today announces that they have officially protected the former Bear Creek Golf Course, a 390-acre property in Douglas County, Georgia.

In 2003, the Bear Creek Golf Course shut its doors and this breathtaking property was left unmanaged for 14+ years. In 2017, the Southern Conservation Trust took ownership of the property and fell in love with its unique features of beaver ponds, wetlands, significant elevation changes, miles of high-quality streams, and its diverse wildlife population. 

“As a land conservancy, it is an honor to own a local property of this quality, but we wanted to take that a step further and ensure that it could never be developed outside of a public nature preserve,” said Katie Pace Quattlebaum, Executive Director of the Southern Conservation Trust. “Conserving this land protects wildlife habitat and water resources for the local community and, we also hope, will very soon provide public access to Douglas County residents to enjoy this breathtaking preserve, as well.”

Multiple partners were involved in the protection of this failed golf course, including Douglas County, Piedmont Private Equity, Rooker Development, and the Georgia Piedmont Land Trust (GPLT) which now holds the conservation easement on the property.

GPLT Executive Director Carol Hassell said, “Protecting natural lands such as this property is more critical than ever as the pace of development accelerates in the Atlanta area and beyond.  We are proud to be a partner in this important conservation effort.”

The Southern Conservation Trust is currently developing its plan for the property, which is set to include 5+ miles of hiking trails, as well as opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and environmental education. More information can be found on the project and ways to support it at  www.sctlandtrust.org/little-bear-creek-area

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN CONSERVATION TRUST:

The Southern Conservation Trust elevates nature through exceptional stewardship through over 65,000 acres of protected and conserved land throughout the Southeast, 

as well as 5 public nature areas in Fayette County, Georgia, and the Fayette Environmental Education Center in Downtown Fayetteville, Georgia.  www.sctlandtrust.org  and  www.fayettenature.org

ABOUT THE GEORGIA PIEDMONT LAND TRUST

The Georgia Piedmont Land Trust ( www.gplt.org ) permanently preserves land in the northern half of Georgia to protect the quality of waters and woodlands; complement the conservation efforts of cities and citizens; and save farmland and historic sites for communities to enjoy now and for generations to come.

Press & Media Inquiries

For all press and media inquiries, please reach out to Tori Betsill, our Director of Development. Tori is here to assist you with any questions or information you may need about Southern Conservation Trust's initiatives, events, and conservation efforts. You can contact her directly at tori@sctlandtrust.org.

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About Southern Conservation Trust

At Southern Conservation Trust, we are passionate about elevating nature through exceptional stewardship. Based in Georgia, our 501(c)(3) public charity has successfully conserved over 65,000 acres of land across the Southeast, including five public nature areas in Fayette County and the Fayette Environmental Education Center. We believe that protecting our natural spaces is just the beginning; everyone should have equal access to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Join us in our mission to foster a deeper connection between people and nature. Learn more at www.sctlandtrust.org.

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