The U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program offers the opportunity for communities to acquire and conserve forests. These forests provide public access and recreational opportunities, protect vital water supplies and wildlife habitat, serve as demonstration sites for private forest landowners, and provide economic benefits from timber and non-timber products.
Community forests can be owned by local governments, tribal governments, and qualified nonprofit entities. Lands acquired through the program must be actively managed in accordance with a community forest plan to provide community benefits.