Intact forest lands supply timber products, wildlife habitat, soil and watershed protection, aesthetics, and recreational opportunities.
While local governments commonly guide development away from the most sensitive areas through traditional land use controls (like zoning and performance standards), sometimes these measures are not sufficient to fully protect the forested component of our natural resource base.
To maximize the public benefits it achieves, the program focuses on the acquisition of partial interests in privately owned forest lands.
Most FLP conservation easements restrict development, require sustainable forestry practices, and protect other values.
Forest Stewardship Plans that meet the landowner's objectives for natural resource management are prepared on all privately owned tracts.
Extensive forest areas are often subject to the additional challenge of multiple ownerships and numerous political jurisdictions.
The Federal government provides oversight, and financial and technical assistance to help protect important forests.
Advise the State lead agency in order to achieve Forest Legacy Program objectives.
FLP funded acquisitions serve public purposes identified by participating states and agreed to by the landowner.
To qualify, landowners are required to prepare a multiple resource management plan as part of the conservation easement acquisition.
In addition to gains associated with the sale or donation of property rights, many landowners also benefit from reduced taxes associated with limits placed on land use.
FLP also encourages partnerships with local governments and land trusts, recognizing the important contributions landowners, communities and private organizations make to conservation efforts.