The mission of the Atlantic Coast Conservancy (ACC) is "to provide 21st century solutions and sound scientific applications for conservation of critical natural resources in the face of a changing climate focusing on the Southeastern United States with specific utilization of geographic information systems applications in land conservation, ecosystem services, carbon sequestration and conservation biology."
What are Ecosystem Services?
Ecosystem services are outputs, conditions, or processes of natural systems that directly or indirectly benefit people and society. There are four main categories: provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services. Robert D. Keller, Ph.D., the ACC’s Chief Executive Officer, plans to launch several ecosystem service projects designed to enhance the ecological value of the land, and bring jobs and economic benefits to Jasper and Pickens County.
Encouraging Use of the Land
Since 2017, a conservation easement held by the ACC has protected some 1,378 acres in eastern Pickens County, Georgia near the gated community of Big Canoe. The Potts Mountain property with its natural resources, scenic views, colorful history, and historic importance, is protected in perpetuity ensuring the property will remain forever in its natural condition. The easement insures protection at its very core, but rather than discourage use of perpetually conserved land, use for beneficial ecosystem services is strongly encouraged.
One project will be centered around Renewable Energy or Agrivoltaics: the coupling of renewable energy generation with conventional agricultural activities. Read More >
The forestry project, Wolfscratch Firewood, involves sustainably harvesting oak and hickory from the perpetually conserved land. Read More >
Creating a conservation cemetery on perptually conserved land brings family and friends closer to nature in the commemoration of their loved one’s life. Read More >
In keeping with the ecosystem service of cultural and supporting benefits, the ACC has plans to construct an RV Park/Campground on the west side of Steve Tate Highway. It will provide an ecologically friendly and environmentally pleasing approach to the RV experience. Read More >
Certified Wildlife Sanctuary
The entire Potts Mountain acreage has been certified as a Wildlife Sanctuary by Birds Georgia. The property lies along the Atlantic Migratory Flyway route – the path taken by Neotropical birds like wood warblers, tanagers, orioles, swifts, swallows, and sparrows on their way south for the winter.
