Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)

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).

Peter Leuzinger

Forest Legacy Program Director

Kevin Kiniery

Forest Legacy Program Coordinator

General office

Forest Legacy Program inbox

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

Payment per unit of land to do or avoid certain practices related to land management.

Easement

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.

List of California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Funding Opportunities