A voluntary program funded by the USDA Forest Service, the Forest Legacy Program works with state agencies and local landowners to:
- Protect ecologically important private forest lands that are threatened with conversion to non-forest use
- Maintain the continuation of traditional forest uses such as forest management activities and outdoor recreation
The Program protects properties within areas designated by the state as important Forest Legacy Areas primarily through perpetual conservation easements with willing landowners.
For questions about the program, contact Senior Resource Forester Ian Lilya at (307) 941-0352 or via email.
Past projects
Munger Mountain Corridor Project
Completed December 2014 (Phase 1), December 2021 (Phase 2), and November 2023 (Phase 3)
Wyoming’s Munger Mountain Forest Legacy Project conserves a vital elk migration corridor; other important wildlife habitat, including bald eagle nesting areas, scenic values and maintains working ranch and forest lands.
The project area, part of the Lower Snake River Ranch, connects National Forest lands, Snake River Ranch lands previously conserved by Jackson Hole Land Trust easements and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s South Park Elk Feeding Ground.
Project partners include The Conservation Fund, Jackson Hole Land Trust, U.S. Forest Service, Snake River Ranch, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust and Wyoming State Forestry Division.
Funding was provided through the US Forest Service Forest Legacy Program and the Wyoming Wildlife Natural Resource Trust. The family, which owns the property and operates it as part of the Snake River Ranch, donated the remainder of the value of the conservation easements.
Grand Canyon of the Black Hills (Moskee)
Completed March 2020
This Wyoming Forest Legacy Project conserves important wildlife habitat and scenic value within the Black Hills in Crook County while also maintaining working forestland and range.
This project connects adjacent National Forest lands and Wyoming State Trust Lands, providing additional public access in the area.
Funding was provided through the US Forest Service Forest Legacy Program, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and National Wild Turkey Federation. The Moskee Land Corporation donated the remainder of the value of the property.