Wyoming Forest Legacy Grant Program

The Wyoming Forest Legacy Grant Program, managed by the Wyoming State Forestry Division, aims to protect critical private forest lands from conversion to non-forest uses. This voluntary program, funded by the USDA Forest Service, assists private landowners in preserving ecologically significant areas through conservation easements. Eligible participants must develop a multiple resource management plan, with federal funding covering up to 75% of project costs, ensuring the sustainability of forest management and recreational activities.

The Forest Legacy Program, a voluntary program funded by the USDA Forest Service, works with state agencies and local landowners to protect ecologically important private forests lands that are threatened with conversion to non-forest uses and maintain the continuation of traditional forest uses such as forest management activities and outdoor recreation. The Program protects properties within areas designated by the state as important Forest Legacy Areas primarily through perpetual conservation easements with willing landowners.
The purpose of the FLP is to ascertain and protect environmentally important forest areas that
are threatened by conversion to nonforest uses. FLP seeks to promote forestland protection and other conservation opportunities. Such purposes shall include the protection of important scenic, cultural, fish, wildlife and recreational resources, riparian areas and other ecological values. Traditional forest uses, including timber management, as well as hunting, fishing, hiking, and similar recreational uses are consistent with purposes of the FLP. Both purchased and donated lands and interests in lands through the use of conservation easements and fee-simple purchase are used to acquire forested land meeting Forest Legacy purposes from willing sellers or donors.

Eligibility

Participation in Forest Legacy is limited to private forest landowners.To qualify, landowners are required to prepare a multiple resource management plan as part of the conservation easement acquisition. The federal government may fund up to 75% of project costs, with at least 25% coming from private, State or local sources