The Forest Land Enhancement Program (FLEP) was part of Title VIII of the 2002 Farm Bill, and was in existence until September 30, 2007. FLEP replaced the Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP) and the Forestry Incentives Program (FIP). FLEP was optional in each State and was a voluntary program for non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners. It provided for technical, educational, and financial assistance to promote sustainability of the NIPF forests. Arizona’s FLEP focused primarily on technical and financial assistance, while providing educational assistance to forest landowners as well. Program activity was concentrated in the wildland/urban interface of the ponderosa pine cover type, throughout Northern Arizona’s Colorado Plateau and White Mountains.

Priorities for Arizona’s FLEP were established in the State Priority Plan, a strategic, statewide plan developed collaboratively by the State Forester and the Arizona Forest Stewardship Committee. More specific guidance for the financial incentive program was provided by the Cost-Share Program Guidelines.

The Forest Land Enhancement Program was “sunsetted”, that is, lost its statutory authorization, on September 30, 2007. As a result, technical, financial and educational assistance are no longer available through FLEP. Efforts are underway to replace FLEP assistance through another program or programs. Any developments from those efforts will be reported on this website.