US HB2771

Amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 to allow any state (not just Vermont) to authorize qualified organizations to acquire, hold, and manage conservation easements under the Forest Legacy Program

Qualified organizations must demonstrate ability to acquire, monitor, and enforce forestland interests consistent with the Forest Legacy Program and the state's assessment of need

Conservation easements automatically revert to the state or another qualified organization if the holding organization cannot fulfill its responsibilities, modifies the easement inconsistently with program purposes, or improperly conveys it to another party

Qualified organizations must meet IRS Section 170(h)(3) requirements, operate principally for conservation purposes, have no criminal or civil enforcement actions related to conservation easement donations, and maintain Land Trust Accreditation Commission accreditation