A view on the Lonnes Tract&bsp;

Four noteworthy species of flowering plants have been discovered on the property, including Virginia snakeroot, whorled horsebalm, Biltmore carrion-flower, and Virginia spiderwort. &bsp;

The property is almost totally forested and provides significant wildlife habitat.&bsp; The Eifert Tract has approximately 2,300 linear feet of frontage on I-26 and thus provides high-profile scenic significance and public benefit.

The Lonnes Tract, adjacent to the Eifert Tract, consists of 22 acres owned by Wolfgang and Joan Z. Lonnes.&bsp; The North Pacolet River marks the property&squo;s southern boundary, with over 4,552 feet of frontage.&bsp; Like the Eifert Tract, the property also features unique natural beauty, substantial wildlife habitat, and historical significance. &bsp;

Both properties sit adjacent to Cotton Patch Farms, a 403-acre property already protected by Upstate Forever.&bsp; Several other protected properties are in the vicinity.

A voluntary contract between a landowner and a qualified land trust, a conservation agreement retains private ownership for the landowner, who relinquishes some or all of the rights to develop a property.

Upstate Forever&squo;s Land Trust program now holds conservation agreements on nine properties in the Landrum-Tryon area, for a total of 2,328 acres; the organization has 57 conservation agreements totaling 10,391 protected acres in the 10-county Upstate South Carolina as well as Polk County.&bsp;&bsp; &bsp;

Upstate Forever is hosting a seminar on Feb. 3 at the Carolina First Center in Greenville to educate landowners, professionals, and others about conservation agreements and their potential tax advantages. Professional development credits are available for accountants, attorneys, urban planners, financial planners, and foresters. For more information about the conference, visit www.upstateforever.org or call (864) 250-0500.