Winter 2026
A Bright Spot in a Divided Time: Advancing Forest Conservation through Bipartisan Leadership
In today’s polarized political climate, the Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act represents a rare point of agreement — and a meaningful way forward for private forestland forest conservation.
Introduced in the Senate by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), this bipartisan amendment builds on momentum from the House version of the bill (H.R.2771), first introduced in April by Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Ken Calvert (R-CA). Together, this growing coalition demonstrates that conserving America’s private forests remains a shared national priority.
Pacific Forest Trust is proud to support — and have helped shape — this commonsense legislation, which strengthens the Forest Legacy Program (FLP) by allowing states to designate accredited, nonprofit land trusts to hold the conservation interests purchased in part with FLP funding. Under current law, only government entities may do so. The amendment provides states with new flexibility to achieve their conservation goals more efficiently and effectively by partnering with accredited land trusts to ensure enduring stewardship, ease administrative burdens, and work directly with landowners who prefer nongovernmental partners.
Our bipartisan bill would improve the conservation of private forests to mitigate wildfire risk while protecting important forest resources and habitat and expanding access to outdoor recreation,” said Senator Padilla (D-CA).
I’m proud to be part of this bipartisan effort to streamline coordination between federal, state, and local governments and provide landowners the support they need to ensure proper forest management and reduce wildfire risk across the country,” said Senator Sheehy (R- Mont.).
With federal advances on conservation stalled, this legislation offers a pragmatic model for collaboration and progress. Amid uncertainty in Washington, the Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act shines as a bright spot — proof that bipartisan leadership can still deliver solutions to sustain America’s forests, and the communities, water, wildlife, and climate stability they support.