Forest Legacy Program

The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) authorizes the USDA Forest Service or state governments to purchase critical forest lands for the purpose of preventing those lands from being converted to a non-forest use. Forest lands that contain important scenic, cultural, recreational, fish and wildlife habitats, water or other ecological resources that will support continued traditional forest uses will receive priority. Lands purchased under this program will continue to be or become productive and working forest lands with an active management plan.

The Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) was identified by the Governor of Nebraska to be the lead agency responsible for the administration of the FLP in Nebraska.

The purpose of the Forest Legacy Program is to protect environmentally important private forest areas that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Specifically, the FLP in Nebraska will emphasize:

Protection of flora/fauna species diversity
Protection of lakes, rivers, streams, and other significant riparian areas
Protection of significant wildlife habitat
Protection of forested parcels in danger of conversion to commercial and/or residential development or being cleared for agriculture
Protection of unique ecological areas
Protection and expansion of hunting and fishing based recreation opportunities
Protection of water resources

The Nebraska Forest Service has designated four Forest Legacy Areas: the Wildcat Hills, Pine Ridge, Niobrara Valley, and Missouri River Bluffs. These areas are identified on the map included in the Links below.

The Nebraska Forest Service is now in the process of implementing the FLP program. The criteria and application form may be downloaded HERE.

For more information email Dave Mooter at dmooter2@unl.edu.

USDA Forest Service Forest Legacy - Main web site for the program