Forest Legacy Program
Forecasted
Forest Legacy Program supports Louisiana private forest landowners through conservation easements and land acquisition to protect threatened working forests, wildlife habitat, watersheds, and other public benefits.
Funder: Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry
Due Dates (Anticipated): May 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 75% federal funding; minimum 25% non-federal match
Summary: Protects environmentally important Louisiana private forests threatened by conversion through perpetual conservation easements and land acquisition.
Key Information: Only properties within designated Louisiana Forest Legacy Areas are considered, and acquired interests must be permanent.
Description
The Forest Legacy Program is a voluntary USDA Forest Service conservation program administered in Louisiana by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF). It works with willing private landowners to protect environmentally important forests threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Funding supports perpetual conservation easements and fee-simple land acquisition; the program also accepts donations of forestland. Easements transfer negotiated property rights while retaining private ownership, and most restrict development and require sustainable forestry practices.
The program protects working forests and their public benefits, including timber production, wildlife habitat, soil and watershed protection, recreation, scenic and cultural resources, and climate resilience. Louisiana’s Assessment of Need identifies Forest Legacy Areas, establishes project criteria, and guides conservation priorities, including reducing fragmentation and connecting forests with already protected lands.
