Heritage Conservation Trust Fund Activity in 2007

In the 2007 legislative session, Governor Bredesen proposed and the General Assembly agreed to add $10 million in funding for the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, originally established in 2005 so the state could better respond to emerging opportunities for preservation of priority open space.  In 2007, the 11-member Heritage Conservation Trust fund Board awarded 14 grants in two grant cycles totaling $17.3 million.  The funding will be leveraged with other public and private dollars to protect approximately 22,491 acres.  The Trust Fund will continue to support and promote land conservation across Tennessee through acquisition, donation, and easement activities by leveraging the state’s seed investments through effective public-private partnerships.

Projects approved for Trust Fund grant awards must meet certain criteria before the funds are provided, including property surveys and appraisals, environmental assessments and enactment of mechanisms such as conservation easements to guarantee the permanent protection of the properties. Eligible projects range from the preservation of tracts for the purposes of tourism and recreation to projects focused on protecting or restoring the state’s physical, cultural, archaeological, historical and environmental resources. Greater prioritization for funding is being given to projects that involve partnerships, extensive leveraging of funds, and those that enhance or connect existing conservation lands.