Background on Forest Legacy

The Forest Legacy Program protects environmentally important forests threatened by conversion to nonforest uses. The Federal government, along with states and local partners, buys the right to restrict development of the land, or purchases the land from willing sellers outright, to keep it in its natural state. Landowners may continue to own their land or sell it to someone who wants undeveloped forestland. State or local partners provide at least 25 percent of the funds.

Who is eligible?

Each state decides whether to participate in the program. Priority is given to lands that can be effectively protected and managed. Participating states have identified areas that are important because they may protect water quality, provide key wildlife habitat, offer outstanding recreation opportunities or scenic views, or contain historical sites, while providing the opportunity to continue traditional forest uses such as timber harvesting. Any landowner within one of these designated areas may apply for consideration. Landowners are required to have management plans and to manage their land according to the plan.

Who administers the program in my area?

The USDA Forest Service State and Private Forestry branch administers the program with the states. Currently, not all states participate in the program. Interested landowners should contact their State Forester. State Forester web sites may be found at www.stateforesters.org.

For more information contact:
Forest Legacy Program Coordinator Deirdre Raimo
USDA Forest Service; NA, State and Private Forestry
271 Mast Rd., Durham NH 03824
ph: 603-868-7695
fax: 603-868-7604/1066
e-mail: draimo@fs.fed.us

2002 Highlands Coalition Projects

Due February 27, 2001 for 2002 projects. Locally coordinated by Seth McKee and John Gebhards. 

Please supply the following information about those projects you would like to see included on the Highlands Coalition Forest legacy Project List for fiscal year 2002.

Project Name:

Location (county and municipality):

Size:

Estimated Fair Market Value:

Amount of Forest Legacy request:

Matching Funding Sources:

Is this project adjacent to publicly owned land? If so please describe.

Will this be a fee or development rights acquisition?

Describe the conservation value of the project (presence of threatened endangered species, contiguous forest, impact on water quality, etc.)

Is this project located within one of the Critical Treasure areas identified by the Highlands Coalition?

Is the project threatened by development?

Indicate when you anticipate that this project will close.

Provide any additional relevant information about the project.