Forest Legacy Management Flexibility Act

This bill lets any state approve certain qualified groups to acquire, hold, and manage conservation easements under the Forest Legacy Program, instead of limiting that option to just one state. It gives states more flexibility to partner with trusted organizations to protect forestland.

To qualify, an organization must meet strict standards, including IRS rules for conservation groups, a track record focused on conservation, no relevant federal enforcement actions, and accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. If a group can’t do the job, changes an easement in a way that goes against the program’s purpose, or transfers it improperly, the easement must revert to the state or another approved, eligible group.

• Who is affected: State forestry programs and qualified conservation organizations working on forestland projects.
• What changes: States may approve eligible groups to manage conservation easements; groups must show they can acquire, monitor, and enforce interests in forestland; easements revert if the manager fails to meet duties or violates program goals.
• When: Would apply if and when enacted; the bill also makes some technical fixes to the existing law.