Forest Legacy Program Accepting Applications Program Helps Landowners Keep Their Forests As “Working Forests”
1/4/2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Division of Forestry (DOF) officials are taking applications for the Forest Legacy Program, a federal initiative to conserve important forestland that is threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. The DOF will take applications for properties located in Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, Pendleton, Morgan, Berkeley (east of I-81), Preston, Tucker, Randolph, Pocahontas, Webster, Nicholas, Greenbrier and Monroe counties, as well as the portions of Fayette, Raleigh and Mercer counties that are east of I-77. Applications must be received by Jan. 31, 2010. Applicants can get more information about the program by visiting the DOF’s Web site at www.wvforestry.com or by contacting Forest Legacy Forester John Rowe at (304) 545-6063.
"The Forest Legacy Program is an excellent way to conserve our forests for future generations and to keep West Virginia wild and wonderful,” said Director/State Forester Randy Dye. “I encourage landowners who are interested in forest management and feel pressure to sell their forestland to contact the Division of Forestry immediately to find out more about this program.”
The Forest Legacy Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1990 to conserve the nation’s forestland from threats by development or conversion to other non-forest uses. Landowners who participate in the program sign a conservation easement, a legal agreement that allows the owner to sell or donate rights to future development or other land-use activities in exchange for keeping the land as a “working forest” to produce forest products in perpetuity.
For more information about the Forest Legacy Program or to obtain an application, visit the DOF Web site at www.wvforestry.com or contact Forest Legacy Forester John Rowe at (304) 545-6063.
Contact Information
John Rowe
304-545-6063
john.p.rowe@wv.gov