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The Community Forest Program (CFP) protects forests that are important for people and the places they call home. Community forests provide many benefits such as places to recreate and enjoy nature; they protect habitat, water quality and other environmental benefits, and they can provide economic benefits through timber resources. Community Forests have also long been sites for environmental and cultural education.

Fiscal Year 2012 Funded Projects

FY12 Community Forest Program Funded Projects list
FY12 Community Forest Programs Funded Projects Press Release

Request For Applications Issued
inal Program Implementation Rule Issued
The Forest Service published a call for applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Program in the Federal Register on February 15, 2012. Applications are due to the State Forester or the appropriate Tribal official by May 15, 2012 and June 14, 2012 for State Forester or equivalent official of the Indian tribe submitting the applications to the Forest Service.   
 
Total CFP funding anticipated for awards is $3.15 million, and individual grant applications may not exceed $400,000. 

Click here for a copy of the Application Solicitation published on February 15, 2012

State Foresters contact information

Application Forms


What is the Community Forest Program?

The Community Forest Program is a grant program that authorizes the Forest Service to provide financial assistance to local governments, Tribal governments, and qualified nonprofit entities to establish community forests that provide continuing and accessible community benefits.

The Community Forest Program was authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill (Section 8003 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-234)), which amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978. The full title is the “Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program.” The working title is the “Community Forest Program.”

Click here for a copy of the final rule published in the Federal Register on October 20, 2011

Click here for a copy of the corrected Federal Register notice published March 6, 2012. This notice specifies the new funding level for the grant solicitation.

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 CFP projects
• The community is involved in the establishment of the community forest and long-term management decisions.
• Frequently Asked Questions

Ask a question/make a comment

If you would like to ask a question please send an e-mail to: communityforest@fs.fed.us.

Additional Information:

CFP Regional Contacts

Food Conservation and Energy Act

Community Forest Program Fact Sheet

Comparison of the Forest Legacy and Community Forest Programs

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