California Forest Legacy Program

CAL FIRE buys, or accepts donations of, permanent working forest conservation easements or fee title on productive forest and rangelands at risk of conversion to non-forest uses. Landowners keep ownership and keep managing for forest products under the easement and a management plan. Projects are ranked on importance, strategic value, threat and readiness, and federal Forest Legacy applications also go through CAL FIRE.

• Voluntary; working forest and rangelands managed for forest products where traditional forest uses are maintained

• Priority to lands with important scenic, recreational, timber, riparian, fish and wildlife, threatened and endangered species and cultural values

Permanent Working Forest Conservation Easements (WFCEs) or fee title; landowner sells or transfers particular rights such as development rights.

Published amounts: CAL FIRE purchases or accepts donations of conservation easements or fee title of productive forest lands. Project costs covered include purchase of interests in lands, appraisals, land surveys, closing costs, baseline information, title work, title insurance and easement drafting.

Contact the Forest Legacy Program Director or Coordinator about program requirements; federal Forest Legacy applications are submitted through CAL FIRE.

Deadline text on the page: Federal Forest Legacy Program Status: Closed. California State Forest Legacy Program Status: Open - but only for the 2026 Capacity and Project Development solicitation (no acquisition funding; due September 30, 2026).