Acquiring a conservation easement on 3,000 acres for the state of north carolina for conservation protection and public benefits

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R8-Southern Region awarded the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services $3.6 million on July 14, 2026, to acquire a conservation easement on 3,000 acres in North Carolina under the Forest Legacy Program (CFDA 10.676).

The award funds the purchase of conservation easement rights to protect environmentally important forest land threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and to deliver public benefits through conservation protection. The grant period runs through July 13, 2031. The Forest Legacy Program operates as a voluntary partnership between the Forest Service and state agencies to encourage protection of privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or fee simple purchase. Eligible projects must be located within an approved Forest Legacy Area, fit within the priorities of the state's Assessments of Need, comply with Forest Legacy Program state and national criteria, and be supported by a completed grant application. The state recipient must maintain records in compliance with 2 CFR 200.334.