in 1984, the savannah tree foundation secured the nation's first conservation easement on a single tree and a 6,804 foot easement was established to protect the candler oak from loss to development. in 2001, the georgia urban forest council designated the tree as a georgia landmark and historic tree. in 2012, savannah law school purchased the historic property on which the candler oak resides. the law school has taken measures to protect the tree by putting up fences, reserving space for the tree's lowest branches, and placed the tree under security surveillance. the tree also serves as the law school's logo.