BEAUFORT COUNTY

RURAL AND CRITICAL LAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM

 

The Beaufort County Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program is the means by which Beaufort County Council acquires property for conservation, parks, buffers, scenic vistas and for preservation of valuable economic and natural resources. The program is especially important during this time of rapid growth as land preservation eliminates the possibility of development in sensitive areas and  reduces the burdens placed upon highway systems and public services.

 Land acquisitions may be made by an ordinary fee simple purchase or by a purchase or donation of development rights, which often allows the property owner and his family to remain on the land and use it for farming, hunting, fishing or other historic purposes agreed upon at the time of sale. A conservation easement, which forever protects the land from development, may also be negotiated.

 Sometimes a landowner will offer a cash gift to the county to help pay for shaping the land into a park. The gift will not only benefit members of the public who get to enjoy use of the park, it may also provide a tax benefit to the seller.

 Rural and Critical Land Board

Beaufort County is making great progress in the acquisition of valuable properties. We continually update this web page with new photos and descriptions. You may CLICK HERE if you would like to see a detailed spreadsheet of all projects.

Beaufort County Rural and Critical Land Preservation Program Overview