Ohio Forest Legacy Program Grant

Ohio Forest Legacy Program Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Last Updated: April 24, 2025

Summary

The Ohio Forest Legacy Program aims to protect vital forests from conversion to non-forest uses through conservation easements. This partnership between the State and USDA Forest Service encourages landowners to participate voluntarily in preserving working forests, which are essential for biodiversity, water quality, and economic productivity. The program also promotes the management of forests for timber harvesting while maintaining ecological benefits, ensuring sustainable land use practices for future generations.

Overview

Note: The deadline above is for priority review. However, applications are accepted throughout the year. Landowners who are interested in the Forest Legacy Program are encouraged to call the Forest Legacy Coordinator to learn more about the program and the application process. Ohio’s Forest Legacy Program is a partnership between the State and the USDA Forest Service to identify and protect environmentally important forests from conversion to non-forest uses, primarily through the purchase of conservation easements. Projects are funded using federal funds and local costsharing. The overall mission of Ohio’s Forest Legacy Program is to protect working forests. The program was established with the guiding principle that working forests would be professionally managed under a forest management plan that incorporates timber harvesting as a management tool. Working forests provide other environmental benefits, including rare wildlife and plant habitat, and improve air and water quality. The program goals are to: Protect working forests threatened by conversion to non-forest usesProtect and enhance social/cultural values associated with forest usesImprove/enhance biodiversityImprove water quality and protect water quantityEnhance economic productivity through traditional forest uses

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Landowner participation in the FLP is entirely voluntary.Landowners must apply to have their property considered for the program.