Forest Legacy Program - FY2028 Funding

The USDA Forest Service is requesting applications for the Forest Legacy Program (FLP), authorized by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, as amended ( 16 U.S.C. 2103 ) and funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The Forest Legacy Program is a competitive grant program that is administered by the Forest Service in partnership with State agencies to encourage the permanent protection of privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases in support of state priorities, as described in each State Forest Action Plan. USDA Forest Service and States also cooperate with tribal and local governments, other Federal agencies, forest landowners, land trust organizations, and other partners to implement FLP. Landowner participation in the program is entirely voluntary.

The purpose of the program is to identify and conserve environmentally important forestlands that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and provide the opportunity for continuation of traditional forest uses. Conservation of private forests through the Forest Legacy Program maintains a multitude of public benefits, including: opportunities to hunt, fish, and camp; clean and abundant drinking water; habitat for fish and wildlife; and timber, fuel wood, and other forest products.

More information on the program and past awarded projects can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land/forest-legacy .

State Lead Agencies are the only eligible applicants. A State Lead Agency is designated by the Governor and responsible for overseeing FLP administration and can hold land or interests in land acquired through FLP. The State Lead Agency is usually a forestry agency but may be another natural resource or land management agency.