The state buys development rights (a permanent conservation easement) from willing owners of important forest land threatened with conversion to non-forest use. Owners keep all other rights, including the right to harvest timber and to sell or pass on the land. Parcels must lie in one of Indiana's six designated Forest Legacy Areas.
Eligibility
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Willing private sellers of environmentally important forest land threatened by conversion to non-forest uses.
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Parcel must be within one of the six designated Indiana Forest Legacy Areas.
Terms
Development rights are held by the state in perpetuity. Landowner keeps timber harvest and sale/bequest rights.
Published amounts: Federal funding can be used for up to 75% of the purchase price for the development rights.
Application Instructions
Submit a nomination on the Forest Legacy Application (State Form 50306) to the Division of Forestry's Forest Legacy Coordinator.
Deadline text on the page: The DNR Division of Forestry is accepting nominations for Forest Legacy parcels within the designated Legacy Areas.
Related Programs
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program: Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE)
Natural Resources Conservation Service
- EasementCost ShareConservationWaterway ProtectionWater QualityWildlife & Pollinator HabitatEducationRecreationWetland ConservationNationalAny
Agricultural Conservation Easement Program: Wetland Reserve Easements
Natural Resources Conservation Service
- EasementCost ShareConservationWaterway ProtectionWater QualityWildlife & Pollinator HabitatEducationRecreationWetland ConservationNationalAny
Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- EasementLand & OwnershipConservationStewardshipPA
Arkansas Forest Legacy Program
Arkansas Department of Agriculture · Due Jan 2
- EasementAR
Updated October 15, 2026
Image Credit: Jakob Owens
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