Dade County has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund to support the creation of the Dade County Community Forest, a transformative 660-acre project aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation, environmental conservation and economic growth in the region.
The LWCF grant is a milestone in the development of the Community Forest, providing funding to help protect and improve access to the area’s natural beauty. The project, led by Trust for Public Land in partnership with Dade County, will feature hiking and biking trails, outdoor education spaces and other recreational amenities that complement nearby attractions like Cloudland Canyon State Park.
The full project cost for the Dade County Community Forest is approximately $1.82 million, with additional funding anticipated from state and federal sources like the Appalachian Regional Commission and private philanthropic contributions. The Dade County Commission has already committed $500,000 in local matching funds to support the initiative.
This is the first LWCF grant in the history of Dade County.
“This is a win for our entire community,” said Dade County Commission Chairman Don Townsend. “The Dade County Community Forest will not only preserve the scenic beauty of our region but will also create new opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy our region in new ways.”
The grant application received support from local, state and federal officials, including U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose office actively advocated for the funding.
“I’m proud to support this investment in Dade County’s future,” said Rep. Greene. “This funding will ensure that generations of families can experience and enjoy the great outdoors while driving tourism and economic benefits to the community. I commend the Dade County Commission and Trust for Public Land for their partnership in making this project a reality.”
“The Dade County Community Forest will provide a lasting legacy of conservation, and I do not believe there is a project more deserving of the National Park Service's investment,” said State Rep. Mike Cameron, who represents this area in the Georgia Legislature. “We’re grateful to TPL and the National Park Service for seeing the remarkable potential of this vision.”