This grant will build capacity and support the network of state and NGO (non-governmental organizations) partners that work to conserve nationally significant forest lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded $400,000 under the Inflation Reduction Act - Forest Legacy Program (CFDA 10.734) to the Institute for Conservation Leadership, Inc. (ICL) on August 18, 2025, with a completion date of July 30, 2030. ICL will build organizational capacity and develop peer learning networks to strengthen state and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners engaged in forest land conservation. The grant will support skill development and technical assistance for state and NGO partners working with the Forest Service on land acquisition and stewardship activities, ensuring these partners have the expertise necessary to effectively execute conservation easements and fee simple land acquisitions.

The Forest Legacy Program supports the conservation of nationally significant forest lands threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Through ICL's capacity-building initiatives, state and NGO partners will be better equipped to identify, evaluate, and manage forest conservation projects that benefit local economies, reduce wildfire risks, provide public access, secure drinking water sources, and maintain wildlife habitat. This support strengthens the broader network of organizations essential to the Forest Service's mission of protecting vital working lands through collaborative partnerships with private landowners and state agencies.

The forest legacy program works in partnership with states, ngos and private landowners to conserve vital working lands through conservation easements and fee simple acquisitions. The lands conserved by these partners benefit local economies, reduce wildfire threats, provide public access, secure drinking water, and maintain wildlife habitat. A grant to the institute for conservation leadership will build capacity, create and support peer learning networks, and support skill development of state and NGO partners, ensuring they have the skills to be effective partners to the forest service for land acquisition and stewardship.