Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978.
Authorizes states to approve certain organizations to acquire, hold, and manage conservation easements under the Forest Legacy Program.
Introduces a new subsection (m) detailing the process for states to request authorization for qualified organizations.
Defines eligibility criteria for organizations to manage conservation easements, including the ability to monitor and enforce interests in forestland.
Establishes conditions under which the rights of a qualified organization to a conservation easement may revert to the state or another approved organization.
Specifies conditions for reversion, such as inability to fulfill responsibilities or modifications inconsistent with the program’s purposes.
Defines “qualified organization” based on criteria related to conservation purposes, legal standing, and accreditation status.
Includes technical corrections to existing provisions of the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act.
