Tennessee Greenbelt Program: Preserving Nature in Benton, Carroll & Henry Counties

Tennessee Greenbelt Program: A Boon for Benton, Carroll, and Henry Counties

The Tennessee Greenbelt Program is an essential initiative that offers a perfect blend of nature conservation and economic growth for the tri-county area of Benton, Carroll, and Henry Counties. In this post, we’ll dive into the key benefits of this program, how it impacts real estate and life in the area, and how to qualify and apply for the program.

A Greener Future: Understanding the Tennessee Greenbelt Program

The Greenbelt Program, a state-level legislation, aims to protect and conserve agricultural, forest, and open space lands. By offering tax relief to qualifying landowners, it reduces the pressure to sell or develop their properties for non-agricultural purposes. Consequently, it promotes a greener future and improves the overall quality of life by keeping these activities local.

Qualifying for the Greenbelt Program

To qualify for the Tennessee Greenbelt Program, landowners must meet specific criteria based on land type:

Agricultural land: At least 15 acres must actively engage in farming, livestock production, or other agricultural activities. An average yearly gross agricultural income of $1,500 over three years can presume agricultural use, but it’s not an absolute requirement. Land may qualify without income if actively farmed.

Forest land: At least 15 acres must primarily focus on growing and harvesting timber or forest products. In some cases, a forest management plan might be needed for qualification.

Open space land: A minimum of 3 acres must have local planning commission or other appropriate authority designation as open space. This land should offer public benefits like scenic enjoyment, recreational opportunities, or preservation of natural or historic sites.

Applying for the Greenbelt Program

Landowners interested in participating in the Tennessee Greenbelt Program should contact their local county tax assessor’s office. They can provide detailed information about the application process, required documentation, and deadlines.

Here is the contact information for the Tax Assessor’s office for each County in the Tri County Area:

Benton County Tennessee Tax Assessor: 1 Court Sq, #104Camden, TN 38320 (731) 584-7615

Carroll County Tennessee Tax Assessor: 1 Court Sq, #104Camden, TN 38320 (731) 986-1975

Henry County Tennessee Tax Assessor: 213 W Washington St # 101, Paris, TN 38242 (731) 642-0162

Real Estate Benefits: Attractive Opportunities for Buyers

One of the most significant advantages of the Tennessee Greenbelt Program is the positive impact it has on real estate in the tri-county area of Benton, Carroll, and Henry Counties. The second advantage is the significant property tax savings enjoyed by the landowner. By preserving the natural beauty of these areas, it enhances their appeal to prospective buyers, ensuring a thriving market for residential properties. It also adds value to the property itself, due to the tax savings.

Potential Pitfall of The Greenbelt Program

The Tennessee Greenbelt Program offers tax savings, but with a potential downside. If a property loses its qualification or the owner fails to reapply, rollback taxes apply. These taxes recapture tax savings over a period of time, typically three years for agricultural and forest land, and five years for open space land.

Rollback taxes arise when the land no longer qualifies, or the owner requests to remove the special classification, among other reasons. They encourage landowners to maintain agricultural, forest, or open space activities, promoting conservation and preserving Tennessee’s rural character.

A Haven for Nature Lovers: Outdoor Activities Galore

The Greenbelt Program supports abundant green spaces, making the tri-county area an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts. From serene hikes to hunting and fishing, Benton, Carroll, and Henry Counties offer a plethora of outdoor activities for anyone. Preserving the natural beauty benefits all aspects of the nature around us.

A Sustainable Lifestyle: Eco-Friendly Practices and Local Produce

Finally, the Tennessee Greenbelt Program encourages sustainable living by supporting local farmers and their produce. This, in turn, fosters a healthier lifestyle and boosts the local economy.

Embrace the Greenbelt Advantage

In conclusion, the Tennessee Greenbelt Program is a valuable asset to Benton, Carroll, and Henry Counties, enhancing both real estate opportunities and the quality of life. By participating in this program, landowners and residents can preserve the region’s natural beauty and contribute to a more sustainable future. Embrace the Greenbelt advantage and start your journey in the beautiful tri-county area today!

To learn more about the Tennessee Greenbelt Program, visit the Tennessee Comptroller’s Website.

About The Author

Jesse Joseph is a dedicated and experienced Realtor, specializing in guiding clients through the complex world of real estate in Benton, Carroll, and Henry Counties of Tennessee, with a focus on towns such as Huntingdon, Bruceton, Camden, and Paris. Passionate about sharing his knowledge of the local communities and lifestyle, Jesse’s expertise extends beyond real estate to encompass the many attractions, businesses, and activities that the Tri County area has to offer.

As the driving force behind Tri County Living, Jesse provides valuable insights on various topics related to real estate, as well as the vibrant culture, events, and amenities that make the region, and the towns within it, a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

In this article, Jesse gives a brief overview of the Tennessee Greenbelt Program, noting its tax benefits for current and future landowners, as well as its benefit to the local area.

When he’s not assisting clients in achieving their real estate goals or exploring the unique offerings of Benton, Carroll, and Henry Counties, Jesse loves to spend quality time with his family and friends. As a proud Tennessee resident and an advocate for property owners and buyers across the Tri County area, Jesse is excited to share his expertise and passion for real estate and local living through Tri County Living.