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Forest Legacy Program (FLP)
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Program level:
State
Provider:
Washington DNR
Benefits provided:
Financial
Land use:
Forest
Water-focused program:
No
Conserve forests that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Protect privately owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases to support opportunities to hunt, fish, and camp, clean drinking water, wildlife habitat, and forest products.
Overview
Description:
Forest Legacy is a federal grant program designed to protect working forests under threat of conversion to non-forest uses, most commonly for commercial or residential development. The program is administered by the USDA Forest Service, and in Washington is carried out by the state Department of Natural Resources.
Through the program, federal grant funds pay for conservation easements that remove the development rights from forestland. This allows the landowner to continue long-term forestry on a property that might otherwise be sold for development. Keeping land in traditional forest uses also aids protection of water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and recreation opportunities.
Washington was one of the first states to participate in the Forest Legacy Program, and has used it successfully to reduce urban sprawl in eight counties since 1993. Through 2024, more than 70,000 acres of forestland have been permanently protected from development.
View the Forest Legacy Map Viewing Tool and more information on the website. This map shows the locations of the properties funded by the Forest Legacy Program in Washington. One can view the property boundaries and facts about each parcel site. If you are looking for a specific property you can select it from the bookmarks tab on the tool bar.
Eligibility:
All applications received must be located in a Priority A or Priority B area to be consider for the program.
Transfer development rights in the form of an easement or purchase.
Be in an area that is threatened by development.
Financial benefit:
One time payment based on easement or fee simple purchase agreement amount
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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