Beaufort County Greenspace Program
Program Resources
Learn about upcoming meetings, governing ordinances, types of land protection, and how to apply to the Green Space Program
Next Pre-Application Deadline:
October 16, 2025*
Next Application Deadline:
October 31, 2025
*A pre-application meeting is required no later than 15 days prior to the Application Deadline
Adopted 2025 Committee Meeting Schedule
January 24, 2025
March 7, 2025
April 11, 2025
June 13, 2025
July 18, 2025
September 12, 2025
October 17, 2025
December 12, 2025
Types of Land Protection
The Green Space Program may consider five types of land protection strategies both inside and outside county lines, casting a wide net for conservation projects to benefit Beaufort County. Application and matching fund requirements vary for each project type, but all five strategies will result in either a conservation easement or fee simple procurement. Read on to learn more.
∼ Conservation Easement ∼
A conservation easement is commonly used to protect private land while allowing the owner to continue owning and utilizing their land. It is a permanent agreement between the property owner and the easement holder about what is allowed to occur on the property. Once the easement terms are negotiated, the property owner receives compensation for the value of the forfeited development rights.
To have a conservation easement placed on property, a qualified land trust must hold the easement and conduct inspections of the property to ensure the easement terms are not violated.
A conservation easement is placed on property in perpetuity, protecting the land forever, even if the land is passed down through a will or purchased by a new owner. Conservation easements typically do not offer public access; however, they achieve many of the primary goals of the program at a fraction of the cost.
∼ Fee Simple ∼
When land is purchased with a fee simple acquisition, the property owner sells their land outright to an entity that will then own and maintain the land.
For the Green Space Program, these acquisitions are typically made by government entities, including Beaufort County. The County can purchase a property in full or partner with other governments to split the cost, ownership, and future maintenance responsibilities.
All fee simple procurements will require covenants to be recorded on the property establishing allowed land uses and ensuring responsible stewardship of the land in perpetuity. If Beaufort County is the purchaser and owner of fee simple property through the Green Space Program, public access is required, and the property will become a future passive park.
Applying to the Green Space Program
Considering applying? Qualified land trusts, various government entities, and property owners may apply to the Green Space Program. Please read the Ordinance about application requirements or Contact Us for more information.
Getting Started
Pre-Application Meeting Request Form
Fill out a pre-application form found here.
Meet with Staff
Submit a completed pre-application form to schedule a meeting with staff. Email to christina.bryant@bcgov.net