FY2023 Forest Legacy Program

The Forest Legacy Program is a voluntary land conservation partnership that provides project acquisition grants to participating states through a competitive grant process. The program aims to identify and conserve environmentally important forest areas threatened by conversion to nonforest uses. Projects are evaluated and prioritized based on criteria such as ecological and economic importance, degree of threat, and strategic importance. The program works with state partners and operates on a willing seller and willing buyer basis. Grants must be cost-shared by at least 25% of nonfederal dollars. • The program is funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. • The program is authorized under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. • The program provides grants for conservation easements or fee simple purchase. • The program is a competitive grant process. • The program has a cost-sharing requirement of at least 25% nonfederal dollars.