In addition to his professional accomplishments, Wade was appointed by Governor Sonny Perdue as one of the original members of the Land Conservation Council created by the 2005 Land Conservation Act. Prior to his promotion to the Council, the Governor asked Wade to serve on the Governor’s Land Conservation Partnership that authored the plan for the State’s Conservation Program.

The Land Conservation Council’s mission is to preserve and ensure the long-term strength of Georgia’s land and water resources while establishing sound policies and practices designated to conserve, protect and restore prime agricultural and forestry lands, and natural, historic and recreational areas to the general end that the present and succeeding generations may continue to enjoy.

Since its inception in April 2005, the council has completed 24 conservation projects across Georgia totaling 36,000+ acres, established eight conservation easements and finalized 18 fee title acquisitions. The Council’s advocacy is demonstrated through a wide geographic spread across the state and a total land value of $100 million in projects.

In addition to the current local, state, and federal subsidies, the council will look to promote alternative land conservation funding options in cooperation with private, non-profit and tax exempt organizations to augment resources and continue their conversation of Georgia’s natural assets.