# Forest Legacy Program

> Other from USDA Forest Service with state lead agencies (Federal) for United States.

Official page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land/forest-legacy
Source: https://treerm.org/residents/programs/us-usfs-forest-legacy-program · Updated 2026-11-08 · Status: Open

**What you get:** Payment for a conservation easement or outright sale that keeps privately owned forest from being developed while the owner can keep the land

Forest Legacy pays willing landowners to permanently protect environmentally important forest threatened by conversion to other uses. Owners can sell the land outright or keep it and sell only the development rights through a conservation easement held by a state agency or other government unit. Since 1990 the program has conserved over 3 million acres in 53 states and territories.

## Who qualifies

Private forest landowners in a state-designated Forest Legacy Area whose land is voluntary offered; projects are competitively selected at the state and national level, so it fits larger tracts rather than typical yards.

## How to apply

Contact your state Forest Legacy coordinator (linked from the program page) to discuss whether your land qualifies for a project proposal.

**When:** Annual project cycle; funded projects for 2026 are listed on the page

**For:** Landowners