View frequently asked questions about the Forest Legacy Program.
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To learn more about the program, visit the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy webpage.
The Assessment of Need:
The Assessment of Need is approved by the U.S. Forest Service.
A Forest Legacy Area is a geographically defined part of the state where tracts of land are eligible for protection under Forest Legacy. Florida established Forest Legacy Areas by identifying areas that contain environmentally important forests, and where those forests are most threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Environmentally important forests may offer important geological features, mineral resources, wildlife habitat including threatened and endangered species, cultural resources, recreational resources, timber management, and aesthetic and scenic values.
Most states have chosen to define discreet Forest Legacy Areas within their state. The Florida Forest Service uses the Public Participation Process to provide input on the how Florida's Forest Legacy Areas are defined.
The Public Participation Process was implemented by Florida to receive public comments on the program. Public comments received were included in the Assessment of Need, which was approved by the U.S. Forest Service.
The Florida Public Participation Process cast a broad net that invited a wide range of responses and feedback. Public comment was received through workshops, telephone, mail and email. Persons representing different interests were identified, informed about the program, and invited to meetings. Notice of public participation meetings were provided to local newspapers so that those interested could attend. Also, legislators, local governments and organizations were contacted.
Public input was specifically obtained regarding which parts of the state should be included in the Forest Legacy Program as Forest Legacy Areas and the criteria for determining if a specific tract of land should be eligible for program funding.
The Forest Legacy Program is unique in that it aims to conserve land that is specifically threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. One of the acquisition tools used for protecting these important forests is conservation easements. Conservation easements allow land to be managed by individual landowners as outlined in a Forest Stewardship Plan or Multi-Resource Management Plan. The Florida Forest Service can provide technical assistance to the individual landowners whose land is accepted into the Forest Legacy Program.
A conservation easement is a legal agreement that a willing property owner makes voluntarily to restrict the type and amount of development that may take place on their land. The conservation easement is either donated to, or purchased by, the organization holding the easements. In this agreement, some land uses are typically prohibited or restricted through conveyance of certain land rights. The landowner retains title and all remaining land rights not specifically conveyed or prohibited in the easement. Conservation easements purchased through the Forest Legacy Program must be titled to a governmental entity such as the state, a water management district, a county, a city or a municipality.
Yes, the original owner and all subsequent owners are bound by the easement. The easement is recorded at the county or city records office so that all future owners and lenders will learn about easement restrictions when they obtain title records on the property.
Payment for a conservation easement is based on the Fair Market Value of the property under easement, using Federal Appraisal Standards. The value of the easement may also vary depending on the rights that the landowner chooses to retain or to convey or through the easement, as well as the location of the property.
Yes, entry into the Forest Legacy Program is strictly voluntary. No conservation easements may be placed on any property unless a voluntary application is submitted by a landowner and the project is successful to closing.
No. Public access will not be sought. However, the landowner has the right to request that public access be granted if he/she so chooses.
Yes, a Forest Stewardship Plan or MRMP is necessary for a particular piece of land to be considered eligible for the Forest Legacy Program. However, if one does not already exist, a Plan may be developed as part of the application process. Landowners are encouraged to contact the Florida Forest Service to obtain information on Forest Stewardship Plan standards. Such plans are not to limit landowner's management of their forests but are to ensure that landowners receive professional advice on how best to manage their forest land to meet their goals and objectives.
No. However, the tract of land being submitted to the program must be at least 75% forested. The land use(s) on the remaining portion of the property must be of a compatible nature, per the program implementation guidelines [ Adobe PDF Document ].
Each state and U.S. territory involved in the Forest Legacy Program can submit to the National Panel up to three (3) acquisition projects each year. Submitted projects from each state/territory may not collectively exceed a total of $20 million.
The Florida Forest Service works with landowners/their representatives and reviews applicable information pertinent to potential National Panel project submittal. Potential eligible projects that meet programmatic criteria and state priorities must be presented before the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee and Forest Legacy Program Regional Panel, additionally.