The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has announced a $265 million initiative to conserve nearly 335,000 acres of forestland across the United States. This funding—secured through President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act—will support 21 projects in 17 states, a move that underlines a growing commitment to protect American forests from development pressures. These funds will not only conserve forests but also bolster local economies, maintain biodiversity, and support rural livelihoods.
Forestlands in the U.S. cover approximately 823 million acres, with around 39% of these forests privately owned. Conservation of these lands is crucial, as privately owned forests provide 91% of the nation’s wood supply, support thousands of rural jobs, and create natural buffers for critical ecosystems. However, these lands face increasing pressure from development, climate change, and rising land values.
As Forest Service Chief Randy Moore highlighted, “Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we are protecting parcels we never thought we’d have the resources to secure, allowing future generations to enjoy the irreplaceable benefits they provide.”
From creating natural filters for waterways to sustaining carbon sequestration, forests are powerful contributors to environmental health. The forests conserved under this initiative also provide benefits to rural communities and economies. The United States is the world's leading producer and consumer of forest products, an industry that generates over $300 billion in revenue annually. These protected lands support not only economic stability but also climate resilience. Forests store significant carbon and absorb 12-20% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions annually, according to the EPA, playing a vital role in the nation’s climate strategy.
The Forest Legacy Program, established in 1990, has conserved about 3.1 million acres since its inception, a remarkable achievement for forest protection in the U.S. It works by identifying at-risk lands in partnership with states, Tribes, and private landowners. This year’s projects under the Forest Legacy Program include several significant efforts:
The Biden Administration’s Justice40 Initiative emphasizes that 40% of certain federal benefits should flow to disadvantaged communities. Many forested areas being conserved this year benefit communities that have faced economic hardship, underinvestment, or environmental inequities. These communities will gain from the improved air quality, job creation, and recreational access that these protected lands offer. The USDA is also collaborating with states to engage local stakeholders in conservation efforts, ensuring that projects align with local needs and benefit communities directly.
With the Inflation Reduction Act, the Forest Service’s work to secure large, ecologically significant parcels marks a promising step toward achieving lasting environmental resilience. The Forest Legacy Program aims to expand beyond its 3.1 million acres, and recent studies suggest that protecting private forests will remain critical. Analysis by the American Forest Foundation reveals that 76% of the most resilient forests (those with diverse species and climate adaptability) are privately owned, underscoring the need for sustained investment in private land conservation.
