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John,
Forested lands comprise about a third of our nation's lands. But
today, real estate development, aggressive timber harvesting, and
climate change-driven wildfires are resulting in a net loss of our
nation's forests.
That's why I was so awestruck by this Q&A with Betsy Cook,
TPL's Maine state director, about our community forest model and
how it helps protect our country's forests. She dives into what
"community forest" means, the pillars that define our approach, and
the progress we've made in the past 20 years.
From Betsy:
For the past two decades, TPL has pioneered a movement that saves
precious forests while generating social and economic benefits. We do
it by putting communities at the center, championing local ownership,
and increasing access.
When people think of forests, they likely imagine a state or federal
forest, or maybe one owned by a timber company.
What do we mean by "community forest"?
Community forests are managed by the community for the community. Four
pillars define our approach:
1) The community participates in management decisions about the
land.
2) Benefits, such as proceeds from sustainable timber harvesting, flow
to the community.
3) The land itself is owned by the community, which ensures locals are
really involved in the stewardship of the land.
4) The forest is permanently conserved for generations to come.
How did the community forest model come about?
About two decades ago, TPL helped towns develop resources to create
community forests, lay out best practices, and establish a federal
funding program. In 2014, our advocacy led to the establishment of the
U.S. Forest Service's Community Forest and Open Space
Conservation Program, which supports local communities that want to create community
forests.
[link removed]
What kind of progress have you seen in the past 20 years?
The first community forest we helped establish was in Randolph, New
Hampshire, in 2001. Since then, TPL helped directly support the
creation of more than 30 community forests across the country,
covering at least 30,000 acres. The size of each forest ranges widely,
from a few hundred acres to 13,000 acres.
One of the potential economic benefits to the town stems from
sustainable forestry.
What does that look like, and is it good for the forest?
Sustainable forestry is good for the forest. The planning for a
community forest includes optimizing for wildlife and habitat,
recreation, and sustainable forest management. Often there are
habitats you're trying to improve, and cutting some trees will
benefit a bird or mammal species. When done well, sustainable forest
management is beneficial for ecology and wildlife while also creating
revenue for the town.
With community forests especially, the forest management plan is
written to the highest industry standards for sustainable timber
harvesting. Any cutting of trees is done with the utmost care and
concern for the health of the forest. Typically, we purchase the land
from industrial forest owners motivated by a quick financial return.
Industrial management usually means heavier timber harvesting. By
contrast, community forests are managed for the long run. In some
cases, the town might harvest only what is needed to cover the lost
property-tax revenue from the previous owner. Other towns might lease
a small patch of the forest to a maple syrup producer, which taps the
trees.
How do residents use their community forest?
Usually, a local governance committee is established to implement the
management plan. Some towns host trail races through their forests and
organize art festivals. A town in Vermont had a trick-or-treating
event in the community forest. Another town in New Hampshire created
new glades for backcountry skiers and blazed an educational trail with
signage about wildflowers and animals. These places really come to
life with the energy of the community.
This is just a glimpse of the incredible nature of community forests.
Check out the full Q&A to learn how a town creates a community
forest and understand the related conservation and economic benefits.
[link removed]
Thank you for spending some time reading about our efforts and for
being a vital part of our community.
Alana Fink
Associate Director of Digital Engagement
Trust for Public Land
PS: For more details, check out the full Q&A.
[link removed]
You received this email from Trust for Public Land. From
protecting vast stretches of wide-open spaces to revamping
schoolyards, trails, and parks, we strive for equity, inclusion, and
access for everyone.
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Your support makes our work possible. Donate today.
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Photo credit: Andy Richter, Jerry Monkman, Steven Gnam, Rebecca
Stumpf, Tideway Creative
23 Geary St., Suite 1000, San Francisco, CA 94108
800-714-LAND (5263)
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