How the Community Forest Program Works

A calm lake bordered by a golden forest. — (Photo by Steve Neel)

The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program) of the Forest Service offers a unique opportunity for communities to acquire and conserve forests that 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.

Program Basics

People looking at a visitor bulletin board at a trail head. — Community forests expand recreation opportunities. *(Photo by Janet Valle)*

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.

Notice of Funding Opportunities

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

* Grant Opportunity Available (Submit applications to your state forester or tribal official by Oct. 13, 2026):
The Forest Service is requesting applications for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. The Community Forest Program is a competitive grant program that provides financial assistance of up to $600,000 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 provide community benefits including public recreation, environmental and economic benefits, and forest-based educational programs. Public access is required for all projects. Access the Notice of Funding Opportunity and application materials on Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/363348.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program

* Grant Opportunity Available (Deadline Dec. 8, 2026):
Federally recognized Indian tribes, local government entities, and nonprofit organizations that are qualified to acquire and manage land may apply for up to $1,000,000 for the fee simple acquisition of private forest land in portions of the Lake Superior Basin of Michigan and Wisconsin. Projects submitted for funding consideration must be forested properties at least five acres in size that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses and that provide community benefits including economic, environmental, educational, and recreational benefits. An additional focus of this opportunity is to protect, enhance and increase resilience of habitats necessary for sustaining native aquatic and terrestrial species important to the Lake Superior ecosystem. Competitive proposals will be those that demonstrate exceptional public benefits, meaningful community engagement, and strategic contributions to terrestrial habitat connectivity within the defined Terrestrial Habitat Connectivity Pilot Area. Apply through Grants.gov: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361418.