Statement: The Conservation Fund Applauds Significant Investments in State Forestlands Across America

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Statement by Larry Selzer, President & CEO, The Conservation Fund:

“The Conservation Fund applauds the exceptional work and dedication of the USDA Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program in conserving economically and ecologically important state forestlands. We are proud to join states, private landowners and other conservation organizations in collaborating with the Forest Legacy Program as it safeguards America’s forests while bolstering local economies and enriching recreational opportunities. With the support of Congress via continued investments from the LWCF and the IRA, The Conservation Fund looks forward to continuing to partner with the Forest Legacy Program to conserve millions more acres of state forestland across the United States.” 

More information:
Today, the USDA Forest Service announced substantial new investments in forestland conservation including funding from both the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The projects unveiled today represent a significant step forward in the ongoing conservation efforts, impacting nearly 30,000 acres of our nation’s state forests as well as communities. The Conservation Fund is proud to partner with the US Forest Service on the following projects:  

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 LWCF FLP: 

• Dugdown Mountain Corridor Stateline – Georgia (8,384 Acres) 
• Dugdown Mountain Corridor Stateline – Alabama (1,984 Acres) 
• Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve Expansion – Virginia (3,311 Acres) 
• Roanoke River Bottomlands Forest – North Carolina (2,976 Acres) 
• Mt. Adams Forest Project Phase II – Washington (11,829 Acres)

Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-Fall IRA FLP: 

• Roxbury Forest State Forest Expansion – Vermont (348 Acres) 

Forest Service Announcement: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/private-land/forest-legacy/program/fy24-funded-projects   

About The Conservation Fund
The Conservation Fund protects the land that sustains us all. We are in the business of conservation, creating innovative solutions that drive nature-based action in all 50 states for climate protection, vibrant communities and sustainable economies. We apply effective strategies, efficient financing approaches and enduring government, community and private partnerships to protect millions of acres of America’s natural land, cultural sites, recreation areas and working forests and farms. To learn more, visit www.conservationfund.org.

Media Contact
Julia Roberson | Vice President, Marketing and Communications | jroberson@conservationfund.org  

Contact
Media Contact: media@conservationfund.org