It assists States and local governments identify important forest lands, at risk of conversion to non-forest uses, and protect them primarily through the use of conservation easements. The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to acquire conservation easements, on a voluntary basis, from farmers and ranchers to keep the land in agricultural use. The program provides matching funds of no more than 50 percent of the purchase price for the acquired easements. These programs ensure the long term sustainability of communities and the environment by providing technical and financial assistance to forest and natural resource based rural communities. Communities develop their own local action program to identify the best opportunities for creating diversified, sustainable businesses that also protect natural resources.
Projects range from tourism and value-added manufacturing to historic preservation.
Dedicated funding is not provided for this program. Sara Marinello, Deputy Campaign Director International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Tel.