To avoid double counting acres where multiple programs contributed to the acquisition of a single parcel, the parcel acreage is only aggregated under the program that provided the majority of funding. For example, if the chart displays a dollar amount greater than $0, but also shows 0 acres, it is because the program was not the primary contributor for any parcels in that year.
Local data coming soon.
In September 2005, the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund Act was signed into law. The Fund provides a mechanism for the state to work with other public and private partners for the preservation and protection of priority tracts across Tennessee. The fund will also be used to promote tourism and outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, hunting and fishing.* The Governor has appointed an 11-member board to lead this effort. The legislation establishes this board to raise funds and accept donations for land conservation through a 501(c)(3). Acquisitions are funded through private donations and general fund appropriations. The Governor allocated $10 million to begin the fund, and allocated another $10 million in the FY06/07 budget. The first acquisition from this fund was in 2006.
The Wetlands Acquisition Fund (WAF) was the first of the current trust funds established by the General Assembly in 1986.** The WAF provides for the acquisition of wetlands and watershed areas. The program is housed at the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency . It is funded by appropriations from the real estate transfer tax at a rate of $.0325 per $100, though in the initial legislation the rate was $.04 per $100.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4,968.9 | $3,323,361 |
| 2004 | 138.4 | $1,485,542 |
| 2003 | 2,129.9 | $977,415 |
| 2002 | 1,703.3 | $1,081,712 |
| 2001 | 2,969.0 | $5,462,451 |
| 2000 | 633.4 | $480,261 |
| 1999 | 4,112.3 | $2,941,003 |
| 1998 | 5,309.9 | $2,422,571 |
| Total | 21,965.0 | $18,174,318 |
In 1991, the Tennessee General Assembly chose to amend the transfer tax legislation by doubling the transfer tax dedicated to conservation to $.08 cents in order to create three more conservation funds. One of these funds was the Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF), which is apportioned $.0175 of the real estate transfer tax. The purpose of the fund is to provide money for the acquisition of land for parks, natural areas, greenways, trails, archaeological sites, and for the purchase of land for recreation facilities. Funds can also be used for trail development and capital projects. This fund requires a 50 percent match from local governments, but allows them to match fund dollars with land, volunteer services, material, or equipment used for project development. Since its inception over 70 counties and over 90 municipalities have provided matching dollars for land acquisition.
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 8.6 | $238,000 |
| 2003 | 190.4 | $692,158 |
| 2002 | 28.6 | $230,500 |
| 2001 | 7.5 | $185,800 |
| 2000 | 78.5 | $1,095,800 |
| 1999 | 496.5 | $2,118,346 |
| 1998 | 189.5 | $752,512 |
| Total | 999.5 | $5,313,116 |
Established as part of the 1991 transfer tax legislation, the State Lands Acquisition Fund (SLAF) is allocated $0.150 of the real estate transfer tax. The fund also receives revenue from specialty natural areas license plates sold by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Funds are provided for the acquisition of land or easements for state parks, state forests, state natural areas, boundary areas along state scenic rivers, state trail systems, and for trail development.*** In 2000, the legislation for this fund was amended to include historic sites.
* “Bredesen Signs Conservation Trust Fund Act”, Press Release, September 15, 2005
**Public Chapter 833 (Tennessee Code Title 11, Chapter 14)
*** “Real Estate Transfer Tax: An Overview” by Marty Marina
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4,968.9 | $3,323,361 |
| 2004 | 138.4 | $1,485,542 |
| 2003 | 2,129.9 | $977,415 |
| 2002 | 1,703.3 | $1,081,712 |
| 2001 | 2,969.0 | $5,462,451 |
| 2000 | 633.4 | $480,261 |
| 1999 | 4,112.3 | $2,941,003 |
| 1998 | 5,309.9 | $2,422,571 |
| Total | 21,965.0 | $18,174,318 |