A Few Word from ORLT Board Chair Bill Berryman

"I’ve lived most of my life in the Oconee River Watershed in Athens. Early on, most residents treated the Middle and North Oconee as an afterthought—just a place for waste and trash. That has changed dramatically, thanks to visionary environmental and political leaders who, over the past 50-plus years, have recognized the immense value of these treasures and worked tirelessly to change the public perception and take direct action to improve water quality and habitat. This movement led me to Oconee River Land Trust in the late 1990s, where I served on the board for several years with many of ORLT’s founders who recognized the need to protect public and private land through conservation easements and donations. Through them and ORLT staff, I deepened my understanding and respect for the value of conservation of our land and natural resources. I rejoined the Board after retiring as County Attorney in 2019 and found an organization that had expanded its reach throughout the watersheds of Georgia."

"In these uncertain times when we cannot depend on the government to be the main force for conservation and environmental protection, land trusts are more important than ever. ORLT recognizes this change and is focusing its efforts on protecting critical lands, waters and habitat, especially private land. The Middle Oconee Corridor Project is an example of our focus on identifying regions in particular need of protection and joining with our charitable partners to make this happen. I am particularly inspired by the generous landowners who recognize the need for conservation and willingly convey easements to ORLT to protect their properties in perpetuity."

-Bill Berryman, Oconee River Land Trust Board Chair