Forest Legacy Program
Forecasted
The Forest Legacy Program from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry funds conservation of threatened private forests using science-driven land protection and sustainable management.
Funder: Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to 75% of project costs covered; typical awards vary based on Congressional allocation and project size.
Summary: Supports voluntary conservation easements and land acquisition to protect privately owned Louisiana forests threatened by development.
Key Information: Only properties in designated Forest Legacy Areas (FLAs) are eligible; participation is voluntary and requires a willing seller.
Description
The Forest Legacy Program, administered by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF) in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, aims to conserve environmentally significant, privately owned forestlands in Louisiana that are at risk of being converted to non-forest uses. The program offers funding for conservation easements and, in some cases, fee-simple land acquisition, with a focus on maintaining sustainable forestry, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, recreation, and climate resilience. Landowner participation is entirely voluntary, and the program operates only with willing sellers. Projects must be located within designated Forest Legacy Areas (FLAs) and demonstrate significant conservation value and threat from development.
