Printer-friendlyForest Land Enhancement Program
New York State Priority Plan for the Implementation of the Forest Land Enhancement Program
The Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) is authorized by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 as amended by the Farm Security and Rural Reinvestment Act of 2002 (PL 107-171). It is established to provide financial assistance to State Foresters to promote sustainable forestry practices on non-industrial private forest lands (NIPF).
The State Priority Plan (Plan) establishes procedures and rules for the implementation of the Forest Land Enhancement Program (Program) by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to promote sustainable forest management practices on nonindustrial private forest land.
Apportionment of funds received under this program will result in a balanced and coordinated federal and state effort that provides management expertise, financial assistance and education to NIPF owners to promote sustainable forest management. The assistance provided under the Program shall complement, and not replace, existing federal, state and local programs that provide assistance to non-industrial private forest (NIPF) owners. Management activities and practices funded under this program shall provide multiple resource benefits. FLEP will augment the service, education and financial assistance available under other programs.
A goal of New York's Forest Stewardship Plan (incorporated by reference) is to influence landowner behavior in regard to land use, promoting their practice of good stewardship. FLEP complements this goal. Promoting wise forest stewardship encourages sustainable forestry practices.
