A transformational land donation to Douglas County will permanently protect more than 766 acres of forested property and enable the expansion of the Dog River Reservoir, a critical drinking water source for the region. The project, part of the Chattahoochee RiverLands, is being facilitated by Trust for Public Land and strengthens local conservation efforts while supporting long-term water security for the growing community.

The donated land, given by Trust for Public Land national board member Laura Richards, has been in her family for generations and safeguards approximately 1.6 miles of Chattahoochee River frontage, including its confluence with the Dog River. This stretch of river is a key link for the planned Chattahoochee RiverLands, a 100-mile linear park through the heart of one of America’s largest metro regions. The property could also serve as a future site for Camp+Paddle Trail amenities. 

The property also presents exciting new opportunities for public access: for the first time, Douglas County residents living near this section of the river will have direct access to it. The County plans to activate the property for public recreational use as part of this broader vision.

"This project brings together conservation, recreation and critical infrastructure in one legacy gift,"  said Georgia Dusenbury, Georgia State Director at Trust for Public Land. “Trust for Public Land has preserved more than 80 miles of riverfront along the Chattahoochee, and this additional frontage is another stepping stone to bring the expansive RiverLands vision to life.”

Douglas County will incorporate the land into the existing Dog River Park and Dog River Recreational Complex, where it will be used for both recreation and reservoir expansion. The Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority will oversee the reservoir enhancements, improving the county’s drinking water capacity to meet future demands.

“We are deeply grateful for this extraordinary donation for the benefit of our community,” said Dr. Romona Jackson Jones, Chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. “This land will help secure the long-term drinking water needs of our residents, while also expanding recreational spaces and preserving the natural beauty that makes Douglas County such a special place to live.”

The donation agreement allows Douglas County to begin work immediately on the reservoir expansion. It also reflects a shared commitment between the County, Trust for Public Land and local partners to protect Georgia’s freshwater resources and expand equitable access to outdoor experiences.

For Laura Richards, the donation honors both her family’s connection to the land and a vision for the region’s future. “This land has meant so much to my family for generations, and I am proud to see it protected for the benefit of the entire community,” said Richards. “It’s gratifying to know it will play a role in both safeguarding our water resources and helping more people connect with the Chattahoochee River and its natural beauty.”

Trust for Public Land covered transactional costs through programmatic funding and will be reimbursed by Douglas County for appraisal and environmental due diligence services.

For more information about the Chattahoochee River Program or the RiverLands vision, visit https://www.tpl.org/our-work/chattahoochee-riverlands.