The U.S. Forest Service is investing more than $80 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to support 15 congressionally approved Forest Legacy projects in 2026. These projects will permanently conserve over 34,000 acres of privately owned working forests across the country.
"The Forest Legacy program makes critical investments in working forests with state partnerships to provide timber supplies and other wood products, provide public access for recreation, secure drinking water, and maintain wildlife habitat in some of the most important forests across the nation," said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz.
Privately owned forests make up the majority of all forestlands in the United States and play an essential role in the economic and cultural life of rural communities. Forest Legacy projects help landowners keep these forests working – supporting timber production, outdoor recreation, and long-term stewardship. Approximately 90% of Forest Legacy sites provide full or partial public access for outdoor recreation.
While the Forest Legacy Program is designed to conserve private forestlands for their economic, ecological, and community benefits, these projects also help maintain intact, actively managed forests that are more resilient to challenges such as wildfire. Three of this year's projects – Curley Creek Woodland and McNall Family Forest in Idaho, and Madrone Ridge in Oregon – are within ten miles of landscapes identified as being at high risk of wildfire. By conserving these forests now, the Forest Service and state partners help maintain continuous forest cover, support sustainable management, and reduce the long-term risks to nearby communities and infrastructure.
To learn more or to view the full list of 2026 projects, visit the Forest Legacy Program webpage.
About the Forest Service: The Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation for more than 100 years. Grounded in world-class science and technology—and rooted in communities—the Forest Service connects people to nature and recreation opportunities. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, supports the nation's forest industry and energy needs, and operates the largest and most respected wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. By providing assistance to state and private landowners and working with Tribes and other partners, the Forest Service also helps steward an additional 900 million forested acres within the U.S.