The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act (H.R.2771), introduced by Reps. John Garamendi and Ken Calvert, would allow states to authorize accredited land trusts to hold conservation easements funded by the Forest Legacy Program (FLP). This federal program, created under the 1990 Farm Bill, helps states protect private working forests through voluntary conservation easements.

But, only government agencies can hold these easements—a restriction that often conflicts with private landowners’ and state officials’ preferences to work with trusted nonprofit organizations. H.R. 2771 removes that limitation, making FLP consistent with all other USDA conservation programs.

Private forestlands are crucial as watersheds, for biodiversity and production, yet the U.S. loses over a million acres of forest annually to development. The FLP provides critical funding to help conserve working forests, but this administrative barrier limits its impact. Many state forestry departments, already stretched thin managing wildfire response and regulatory oversight, face challenges taking on additional easement responsibilities. And, many landoweners do not want a governmental agency holding an interest in their land.

Allowing accredited nonprofit land trusts to assume these responsibilities would ease state workloads, improve efficiency, and attract private philanthropic support— donors often prefer funding nonprofits over government agencies. Landowners benefit too; many prefer the familiarity, flexibility, and responsiveness that land trusts offer, encouraging greater participation in voluntary conservation.

“Public land alone won’t get us there,” says Rep. Garamendi, former Deputy Interior Secretary. “This bill empowers states to make their own decisions and makes it easier to put federal dollars to work on the ground.” H.R. 2771 offers a practical solution with broad benefits: empowering states, supporting private landowners, and expanding federal conservation funding’s impact — especially critical as forests face mounting threats from climate change and development. “The Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act will provide new tools to help achieve our conservation, forest management, and economic goals.” Said Rep. Ken Calvert.