Forest Conservation Easement Program: Funding for Landowners to Protect Forests and Habitats
This Act establishes the new federal Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) to support private and Tribal landowners in conserving and restoring forest land. The program provides financial assistance for acquiring conservation easements (permanent or term-limited), aiming to limit negative impacts of non-forest land uses, enhance carbon sequestration, and improve habitats for at-risk species. Landowners, particularly beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers, are eligible for a higher Federal share of the easement's fair market value.
Key points
Establishment of the Forest Conservation Easement Program (FCEP) with $100 million annual funding from 2024 through 2028, replacing the Healthy Forests Reserve Program.
Landowners can receive cost-share assistance for purchasing conservation easements, with a Federal share of up to 75% of the easement's fair market value available for beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged landowners.
The program focuses on two types of easements: Forest Land Easements (protecting forest uses) and Forest Reserve Easements (restoring and protecting habitats for threatened and endangered species).
Requires the development of a voluntary forest management plan prior to the acquisition of a Forest Land Easement if the land does not already have one.
10% of the program funds are set aside for historically underserved landowners (beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran forest landowners), increasing their access to financial support.
Expired
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