The state Division of Forestry said Monday that applications for the Forest Legacy Program will be taken through February 28.

Participating landowners sign a conservation easement that ensures the land is maintained as a working forest.

Congress established the program in 1990 to protect the nation's forestland from development or other non-forest uses.

State Forester Randy Dye says the program is a good way to conserve forests for future generations.

For more about the program see conservationfund.org-West Virginia Forest Legacy Program