Summary

Allows a State to ask the Secretary to permit qualified organizations (for example, land trusts or other approved entities) to acquire, hold, and manage conservation easements under the Forest Legacy Program. Sets eligibility rules for those organizations, explains when an organization’s interest in an easement can terminate and revert to the State or another approved organization, defines “qualified organization,” and makes minor technical cross-reference fixes to existing cooperative forestry law.

Key Points

• States may request Secretary approval to let qualified organizations acquire and hold Forest Legacy conservation easements.
• The bill defines "qualified organization" and sets eligibility and standards for such entities.
• It establishes when an organization’s interest in an easement terminates and how the interest can revert to the State or transfer to another approved holder.
• Includes technical statutory cross‑reference fixes to align the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act with these changes.
• Does not itself create a new funding stream; it modifies who may hold and manage easements under an existing program.
• Aims to increase flexibility and use of non‑State conservation organizations while preserving State control over reversion and assignment.
• Implementation requires administrative review and approvals by States and the Secretary.

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