Trust for Public Land announced today that the Georgia General Assembly has approved a $1.5 million grant through the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act (GOSA) to support the final expansion phase of McIntosh Reserve, advancing one of west Georgia’s most significant conservation efforts along the Chattahoochee River.

The funding will enable Carroll County to acquire the third and final tract of land, bringing the total protected river frontage within McIntosh Reserve to about 3.1 miles. Trust for Public Land acquired the land on behalf of Carroll County, and the organization partnered with the county to prepare and submit the successful GOSA grant application.

“This investment represents years of planning and collaboration,” said Michelle Morgan, Chair of the Carroll County Commission. “With the State’s approval of this grant, we can complete the McIntosh Reserve expansion and ensure long-term protection of this important river corridor for public enjoyment and future generations.”

The project furthers Carroll County’s leadership in conserving natural resources and expanding outdoor recreation opportunities. The protected land also supports water quality, wildlife habitat and the preservation of culturally and historically significant landscapes along the Chattahoochee River.

“McIntosh Reserve plays a vital role in expanding access to the Chattahoochee River,” said State Rep. Lynn Smith, chairman of the House Natural Resources and Environmental Committee. “By supporting this project through GOSA, Georgia is making a long-term investment in conservation, recreation and the quality of life for communities across the region.”

McIntosh Reserve is also a key component of the broader Chattahoochee RiverLands vision, a bold initiative to connect seven counties and 20 cities along a 100-mile corridor of parks, trails and conserved land. The park also serves as the southern terminus of the 48-mile Camp and Paddle Trail, a network of parks, campsites and river access points that expand opportunities for paddling, camping and outdoor recreation.
“Completing this final phase strengthens the Camp + Paddle Trail and furthers completion of the Chattahoochee RiverLands,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director for Trust for Public Land. “McIntosh Reserve and Chattahoochee Bend State Park anchor the trail’s southern end, providing access to the river and reinforcing the Chattahoochee as a connected, shared public resource.”

Approved by voters in 2018, the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act dedicates a portion of existing state sales tax revenue to conserving working lands and protecting Georgia’s natural resources. The McIntosh Reserve expansion is among the conservation projects approved by the General Assembly during the current legislative session.