Forest Legacy Program - FY2028 Funding
The Forest Legacy Program offers competitive grants to help states and partners permanently protect private forest lands from development through conservation easements or land purchases, supporting public benefits and traditional forest uses.
Funder: Forest Service
Due Dates: September 11, 2026: Full application deadline (submit all application materials via Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: Up to $20,000,000 per project; states may submit up to 5 projects not exceeding a combined $30 million; 2-year award period.
Summary: Supports permanent protection of privately owned forest lands threatened by conversion, through conservation easements or land purchases, in partnership with state agencies.
Key Information: Only State Lead Agencies designated by the Governor are eligible to apply; 25% non-federal cost share required.
Description
The Forest Legacy Program (FLP), administered by the USDA Forest Service, is a competitive grant program that aims to protect environmentally important, privately owned forest lands at risk of conversion to non-forest uses. The program achieves this through conservation easements or fee-simple land purchases, supporting state priorities as outlined in each State Forest Action Plan. The FLP maintains public benefits such as clean drinking water, wildlife habitat, timber resources, and recreational opportunities. Landowner participation is entirely voluntary. State Lead Agencies coordinate with local governments, Tribes, landowners, and non-profit partners to develop and submit project proposals.
