By Jamie Martin
The USDA has announced a major investment of $106 million in forest conservation. The funds will be directed towards the Forest Legacy Program, which helps states and landowners conserve private forests. The goal is to protect forests essential for timber production and local economies, ensuring their long-term productivity.
This funding will support 10 projects across 177,000 acres of private and state-owned forestland in key states like Arkansas, Hawaii, and Iowa. The projects are aligned with the national goal to expand timber production while safeguarding vital forest resources.
The Forest Legacy Program, authorized by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, operates through voluntary partnerships. The program conserves land using conservation easements or fee-simple acquisitions, either keeping the land in private hands or transferring it to state or local governments for management.
Privately owned forests are critical to the U.S. timber industry, representing 60% of the nation's forested acres and supplying 88% of domestic timber. These forests also contribute to local communities' economic growth and provide important recreational opportunities.
The Forest Legacy Program has conserved over 3.1 million acres nationwide, helping preserve forests for future generations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: National