The U.S. Forest Service Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program) is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to federally recognized Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to establish community forests through the fee simple acquisition of private forest land. The purpose of the program is to establish community forests by protecting forestland from conversion to non-forest uses and provide community benefits including public recreation, environmental and economic benefits, and forest-based educational programs.

Program Basics

• Full fee title acquisition is required. Conservation easements are not eligible.
• Community Forests can be owned by local governments, tribal governments, and qualified nonprofit entities.
• The program pays up to 50% of the project costs and requires a 50% non-federal match.
• Public access is required for Community Forest Program projects.
• Lands acquired through the program are actively managed in accordance with a community forest plan to provide community benefits.