Community Forests 101
A community forest management approach is a different approach than standard forest management. Based on input and guidance from community members, every community forest takes a slightly different form.
The Northwest Community Forest Coalition compiled a brief introduction to community forests. In the video below, see how numerous community forest members from the Pacific Northwest describe their experience with numerous local sites, and how they see these forests providing local benefits. The participants in this video include residents, partners, stakeholders and managers of community forests.
Mechanisms such as the U.S. Forest Service Community Forest & Open Space Conservation Program (CFP) are available for local forest acquisition projects. The strongest community forest projects are able to provide public benefits to local communities. These include, but are not limited to;
Increasing public access and recreational opportunities.
Creating local educational resources.
Protecting vital water supplies and wildlife habitat.
Providing economic benefits through timber and non-timber products.
You can find full details on the program at the Forest Service’s website.
Other localized community forest programs, such as the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office’s Community Forest Program, or local Forest Legacy Programs provide great opportunities to directly generate support for developing community forests.
This video project was supported in full from the partnership and financial assistance by the United States Forest Service through the Community Forest & Open Space Conservation Program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
