Michigan Forest Legacy Program

Buys permanent conservation easements or land from owners of important private forests to keep them from being developed. Projects compete nationally, and approval can take several years; non-motorized public access must be conveyed to the state.

• The rights of public access (non-motorized access at a minimum) must be conveyed to the state on all projects

• Easement landowners must prepare and implement a resource management plan

• 25% non-federal match

• An endowment for long-term monitoring and stewardship for easement projects

Fee purchase or perpetual conservation easement.

Published amounts: The federal government funds up to 75 percent of project costs, 25 percent of the costs must come from private, state or local sources.

Submit a nomination application to DNR by the annual deadline (May 8 in 2026).

Deadline text on the page: Project nominations can now be submitted through Friday, May 8. Nomination applications must be submitted by the deadline to be considered for the next round of funding.