The forest legacy program works in partnership with states and private landowners to conserve working forestlands through voluntary conservation easements and state land purchases

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) a Project Grant of $133,333.33 under the Forest Legacy Program (CFDA 10.676) effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. This award supports state-level program administration and development activities to advance forest conservation initiatives in Montana. The Forest Legacy Program operates as a voluntary partnership between federal, state, and private entities to protect environmentally important forest lands threatened by conversion to non-forest uses through conservation easements and strategic land acquisitions. Award activities typically include coordinator salaries and benefits, administrative support for project development, technical assistance to landowners and conservation partners, and due diligence activities related to conservation project identification and evaluation.

As the designated state agency responsible for managing Montana's wildlife, fish, parks, and forest resources, FWP serves as the primary administrator for Forest Legacy Program projects within the state. The funding enables FWP to fulfill its role in identifying eligible projects within approved Forest Legacy Areas, coordinating with private landowners and land trust organizations, preparing competitive project proposals aligned with Montana's State Forest Action Plan priorities, and facilitating the evaluation and implementation of conservation easements and fee simple land purchases that advance the program's core objectives of forest protection and stewardship.

Congress allocates funding for specific projects based on a ranked list provided by the agency through the office of management and budget. Congress allocates funding for state program administration as a line item in annual appropriations to facilitate the development and implementation of high-quality projects.