CHARLESTON,
W.Va. –
Division of Forestry officials are seeking applications for the Forest Legacy Program, a federal initiative to protect important forestland from
conversion to non-forest uses.
Landowners interested in applying for this program may do so through Feb. 28, 2009.
Applicants can obtain an application and more information about the program by visiting the Division of Forestry’s Web site at
www.wvforestry.com or by contacting Forest Legacy Forester John Rowe at (304) 545-6063.
Applications must be received by Feb. 28, 2009.
“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 any landowner who feels pressure to sell his or her 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 for perpetuity. The Forest Legacy Program is a 75 to 25 cost-share program: 75 percent of funding comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service while the landowner or other private sources are responsible for the other 25 percent.
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.