Community Forests at Trust for Public Land

 

By Trust for Public Land and noted by Alana Fink, Associate Director of Digital Engagement, TPL; reprinted with permission, first published for Trust for Public Land email and blog March 7, 2024

 

 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. 

 

                                           Andy Richter/Courtesy of Trust for Public Land

 

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.

 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.

 

                                           Tideway Creative/Courtesy of Trust for Public Land

 

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.

 

Trust for Public Land is an organization committed to many things:  from protecting vast stretches of wide-open spaces to revamping schoolyards, trails, and parks, we strive for equity, inclusion, and access for everyone.