As part of the 1990 Farm Bill, Congress created the Forest Legacy Program to help protect environmentally important private forestlands threatened with conversion to non-forest uses.  The Secretary of Agriculture is responsible for the development and administration of the Forest Legacy Program.  The US Forest Service in cooperation with States and other units of government is responsible for the implementation of the program.  States have been granted the authority to establish criteria for their programs within the framework of the national program to help address specific needs and goals of their state.

To help maintain the integrity and traditional uses of private forest lands, the Forest Legacy Program promotes the use of conservation easements, legally binding agreements transferring a negotiated set of property rights from one party to another.  Participation in the program is entirely voluntary. 

The New Hampshire Forest Legacy Program

NH Forest Legacy Areas pdf

NH Forest Legacy Program Application pdf

NH Forest Legacy Stewardship Plan Checklist

NH Forest Legacy Committee - Members & Meeting Minutes