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FWD: What is a Community Forest?

Hi John, 

I hope you learned as much as I did from Betsy's Q&A.
Forests sustain healthy and flourishing communities, filter
the water we drink, clean the air we breathe, provide habitat for
wildlife, and combat climate change.  

But every day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates 6,000
acres of open land is lost. These lands need protection
right now, and I'm writing with an opportunity for you to get
involved. 

Starting today, your gift will go twice as far to protect and steward
community forests.

Ken and Lindsay, Conservation Champions in New York's Hudson
Valley, have graciously offered to match your first gift to celebrate
International Day of Forests (March 21).
 
Make a gift for forests today>>

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Protecting forests is just one way Trust for Public Land ensures
outdoor access for people across the country. And this limited-time
chance to double your impact on public lands is just one way you can
show your appreciation for forests and the many green spaces that
bring you joy. 

This matching opportunity is only available until midnight on March
21, so please act now to double the impact of your first gift.

With thanks, 
Emily Falk  
Conservation Champions Manager 

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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 with member support like
yours. 

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. 

Dundee Forest, New Hampshire

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.
 
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.

Thank you for spending some time reading about our efforts and for
helping to create positive change in towns across the country.


Alana Fink
Associate Director of Digital Engagement
Trust for Public Land

PS: For more details, check out the full Q&A. ?

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