The Hall County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday to approve a zip line canopy tour in North Hall.

Kirk and Leah Watkins of North Georgia Canopy Tours received the unanimous approval of the three commissioners present at Thursday’s board meeting. Commissioner Ashley Bell and Chairman Tom Oliver were absent.

A canopy tour lets people ride through the forest in harnesses suspended from a series of tall cables connected by platforms built on trees.

North Georgia Canopy Tours will build the second canopy tour in the state on 135 acres near Lula. It is set to open in April.

"I’m excited about it," Commissioner Billy Powell said.

"We’re lucky to have this in the area," Commissioner Steve Gailey said.

Leah Watkins said the course will be "not just the zip line adventure" but will incorporate information about the trees, wildlife and history of the area.

"We want to preserve the nature and history of the property," she said.

Kirk Watson said the zip line course will be minimally invasive to preserve the beauty of the wooded property.

"Our objective is to use current trees and remove as few trees as possible," Kirk Watkins said.

There will be camping and restroom facilities on the property. The owners one day hope to expand to include a bed-and-breakfast and a restaurant.

Stacey Dickson, president of the Lake Lanier Convention and Visitors Bureau, spoke to the commission in favor of the project. She said her organization backs the project and expects it to attract nature-lovers as well as corporate retreats.