Program Characteristics
The program helps States and regions identify important forest areas.
When conservation easements are used, the land remains privately owned.
Other tools include full-fee purchase, voluntary deed restrictions, covenants, and agreements.
The program is based on a “willing seller and willing buyer” concept.
State and local partners select priority tracts in cooperation with the Forest Service.
The interests in land may be held by the Federal government, or by the State or a unit of local government if the State chooses to select the State Grant Option as authorized by the 1996 Farm Bill.
When the Federal government holds the easement, State or local units of government agree to administer the lands or interests in lands.
The lands and interests are held in perpetuity. There is no loss of the Federal investment resulting from change of ownership.
Forest Stewardship Plans that meet the landowner’s objectives for natural resource management are prepared on all privately owned tracts.
The tracts acquired can remain “working forests” and can forever provide forest resources to meet the needs of the local community and the Nation
Read more about this topic: Forest Legacy Program
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