Mississippi Forest Legacy Program

Mississippi's instance of the federal Forest Legacy Program, which protects environmentally important private forestland threatened by conversion through conservation easements or land purchases from willing sellers. Nominations must fall within one of three Forest Legacy Areas (North, Central, Southeast) and compete nationally; federal funds may cover up to 75% of project costs. The 2026 application deadline was July 1, 2026.

• Tract must be within a designated Mississippi Forest Legacy Area (North, Central or Southeast)

• Nominated by a willing landowner or representative by the deadline

• Must meet state and national program objectives; working forestlands with important timber, fish and wildlife habitat, water and other values receive priority

• 25% non-federal cost share required

Up to 75% federal share of project costs; 25% non-federal match; competitive national ranking.

Published amounts: Federal funds via a competitive grant to the MFC may provide up to 75 percent of FLP project costs. The remaining 25 percent (cost share) must come from non-federal sources (2026 Fact Sheet).

Submit the Mississippi Forest Legacy Program Application by the annual deadline (2026: July 1, 2026); see the Forest Legacy Program Plan and USFS scoring guidance.

Deadline text on the page: Mississippi Forest Legacy Program 2026 Application – Deadline to Apply July 1, 2026.