Landowners who wish to include their lands in the program may submit an application to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Their lands must be forested, must fall within designated forest legacy areas, and must conserve forest resources. Montana intends to use the State grant option throughout the state to acquire interests in important forest lands. The Forest Legacy Program is one of several national programs established to promote the long-term integrity of forest lands. Specifically, the intent of the Forest Legacy Program is to identify and protect environmentally important private forest lands that are threatened by conversion to nonforest uses.
Recent legislation provides for grants to states to carry out the program.
The U.S. Congress, in amending the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act, recognized that the majority of the nation's productive forest lands are in private ownership and that private landowners are facing increased pressure to convert the forest lands to other uses. They recognized that increasing population densities are placing growing pressures on private lands to provide fish and wildlife habitat, aesthetic qualities, timber and recreational opportunities, and that good stewardship requires a long-term commitment that can be fostered through a partnership of Federal, State, and local government efforts. The U.S. Forest Service implements the program through close cooperation with a lead state agency as designated by the Governor. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is the lead agency in Montana. The over-all goal of the Montana Forest Legacy Program is to conserve and enhance land, water, wildlife, and timber resources while providing for the continued working of Montana's forest lands and maintenance of natural and public values.