Forest Legacy Program
Forecasted
The Forest Legacy Program supports willing Vermont landowners through forest conservation easements or property purchases that protect important forestland from conversion and sustain forest uses.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): July 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to 75% of eligible acquisition costs; 25% non-federal match
Summary: A voluntary program that helps conserve Vermont forestland threatened by conversion to non-forest uses.
Key Information: Projects must be within Vermont’s designated Forest Legacy Area and guarantee dispersed pedestrian public access.
Description
The Forest Legacy Program is a federal partnership with the USDA Forest Service, administered in Vermont by the Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. It helps willing private landowners protect environmentally important forestland threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Landowners may sell a conservation easement while retaining ownership, or sell the property outright.
Vermont prioritizes large, productive forest blocks; habitat for wildlife dependent on contiguous forests; threatened and endangered species habitat; fragile areas and undeveloped shorelines; significant wetlands; and recreation corridors. The program also supports continued forest uses and long-term stewardship through property management plans.
