Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance to 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 providing community benefits, including public recreation, environmental and economic benefits, and forest-based educational programs. Eligible entities can apply for funding for projects that meet the program's requirements, including providing public access and managing the land consistent with the intent of the Community Forest Program. • Eligible entities include Indian Tribes, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations. • The program provides financial assistance for the acquisition of private forest land. • The maximum amount of funding that can be requested for a single project is $600,000. • Applicants must demonstrate a 50 percent cost share of the total project cost or greater. • The program requires public access to the community forest, but limited closures may be allowed to protect cultural and natural resources or public health and safety.