Conservation bank funds for more than 400 acres

Oconee County Council approved over $145,000 in funding from the conservation land bank that will protect over 400 acres of land from future environmentally troublesome development. Eighty-eight thousand dollars of the amount will fund the fee simple purchase of 220 acres of the Chapman Bridge Oconee Bell Preserve by the Natureland Trust. The Morris Family Revocable Trust will receive $12,500 for a conservation easement to Upstate Forever involving approximately 26 and a quarter acres. Gary Lyle will receive $45,000 for a conservation easement on nearly 166 acres to the Oconee Soil & Water Conservation District.