Supporting Conservation of Working Forests Across the United States
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a $106 million investment aimed at preserving working forestlands across the United States. This funding, provided through the Forest Legacy Program, will support state and private landowners in conserving forests vital to local economies and communities. These investments ensure that forests remain productive, offering essential timber and recreational opportunities.
The USDA Forest Service will fund 10 conservation projects across 177,000 acres of privately and state-owned forestlands in states like Arkansas, Hawaii, Iowa, and others. These efforts are part of President Trump's Executive Order, which encourages the expansion of timber production while protecting forests.
The Forest Legacy Program, established under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, works through partnerships with state and local governments to conserve private forests. The program uses conservation easements or fee-simple acquisitions to protect these lands. The conservation initiatives either maintain private ownership with protections or transfer ownership to state or local authorities.
Privately owned forests make up 60% of the U.S.'s 704 million forested acres, playing a crucial role in timber production. They provide 88% of domestic timber and support rural economies. The program has already protected over 3.1 million acres of forestland across the country.
This initiative underscores the importance of balancing timber production with conservation. It helps sustain jobs, support rural economies, and ensures the continued enjoyment of forests by future generations.