Federal, state, and market-based programs can pay you to manage, protect, and conserve your forest. Find what fits your land.
Most forest landowners don't realize how many funded programs exist to support sustainable forest management, conservation, and land protection. From USDA cost-sharing programs to state-level easement grants, the options vary widely by state, acreage, and land use. Use the database below to explore what's available where you own land.
Programs By State
Filter by state, benefit type, land use, acreage requirements, and more. Programs include cost-sharing, tax reductions, easement grants, and activity funding.
Eligibility varies by program — key factors include state, acreage, land use type, and whether you have an active Forest Management Plan. Filter the database by your state to see what applies, and consult your local NRCS office for guidance on federal programs like EQIP and CSP.
What kinds of incentives are available?
Programs range from one-time cost-sharing payments and tax reductions to multi-year activity funding and conservation easement grants. The database includes programs from the Conservation Reserve Program and EQIP to state-level conservation partnerships.
Are there incentives specifically for carbon sequestration?
Yes. Programs like the Family Forest Carbon Program offer dedicated incentives for carbon sequestration practices. Private-sector carbon programs, including avoided-conversion projects like Upstream Carbon's, offer additional income on top of public funding for eligible forests.
Can I participate in multiple programs at once?
Often yes, though some programs have restrictions on stacking. A Forest Management Plan is typically required for federal programs and can help you coordinate across multiple funding sources.
What's the difference between public funding programs and private carbon markets?
Public programs like EQIP and CSP are administered by government agencies and typically offer cost-sharing or activity funding for specific practices. Private carbon markets — like the program Upstream Carbon runs — generate income from the conservation value of your forest and are structured around long-term easements. The two can be complementary.
Interested in What Your Forest Could Earn?
Beyond public incentive programs, your forest may qualify for Upstream Carbon's avoided-conversion carbon program — paying hundreds to thousands of dollars per acre for eligible landowners in the Eastern US.
