Comparison
Forest Legacy Program and Community Forest Program
Both the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program (Community Forest Program) and
the Forest Legacy Program provide financial assistance to partners to protect forestland that is
threatened by conversion and provide
provides significant environmental, economic, and social benefits to
communities. However, these programs are complementary rather than duplicative;
duplicative each engages
unique partners, utilizes different
fferent land protection tools, targets different attributes across the
landscape, and emphasizes distinct conservation purposes. While a few projects may align with both
programs, most projects will qualify for only one.
Eligible
Participants
Forest Legacy Program
State agencies,, though any unit of
government
nment can collaborate with the SState.
Private lands that are at least 75% forested,
have significant environmental values and
are threatened by present or future
conversion to nonforest uses
uses. Priority will
be given to lands which can be effectively
protected and managed, and which have
important ecological values.
Protection
Conservation
onservation easements and fee simple
Mechanism
acquisition.
Project
Protect forestland that can be sustainably
Priorities
managed; provide recreation and scenic
values; protect fish and wildlife habitat,
including threatened and endangered
species; and protect riparian areas and
other ecological values.
Public Access Encouragess public access and recreation,
but it is strictly voluntary
voluntary.
Community
Encourages coordination and input from the
Involvement community; however, it is not a project
requirement.
Eligible Land
Landscape
Projects need to be within a priority area
Level
and are evaluated based on their
Conservation contribution to a larger conservation effort.
Cost Share
25% non-Federal
Federal match
Community Forest Program
Indian Tribes, qualified nonprofit
organizations (including land trusts),
trusts)
and local governments.
government
Private forest lands that are at least
five acres in size, at least 75 percent
forested, suitable to sustain natural
vegetation, can provide defined
community benefits and allow public
access.
Fee simple acquisition only.
only
Provide community benefits through
sustainable forest management,
environmental benefits, forest-based
forest
experiential learning, replicable
models of effective forest stewardship,
and recreational opportunities.
opportunities
Requires
equires public access.
access
rojects will be evaluated based on the
Projects
extent of community involvement
involv
in
establishing the community forest,
developing the community forest plan,
and deciding on long-term
long
management needs.
needs
Projects can be anywhere within the
state,, but priority will be given to
projects that contribute to a landscape
conservation initiative.
initiative
50% non-Federal
Federal match
November 17, 2011
Comparison
Forest Legacy Program and Community Forest Program
Project
Selection
Process
Project
Evaluation
Criteria
Role of
States
Technical
Assistance
Forest Legacy Program
Projects are selected through a two
two-step
competitive process resulting in high quality
projects that are supported locally and are
nationally significant. A final priority list is
included in the President’s budget request.
1. Important – The public benefits gained
from the protection and management of
the property including environmental
values, and the economic and social
aspects.
2. Threatened – The likelihood that the
property will be converted to nonforest
uses based on current legal p
protections
on the property, land and landowner
circumstances, adjacent land use, and
ability to develop the property.
3. Strategic – The project’s relevance and
relationship to broader conservation
efforts, including both: (1) how the
project fits within a larger conservation
plan, strategy, or initiative and (2) how
the project is strategically linked to
enhance already protect lands.
State Lead Agencies (typically the State
Forestry Agency) solicits and reviews
applications, forwards proposals to the
Forest Service, receives the grant, and owns
the property (or holds the conservation
easements).
Provides administrative funds to the States
to administer the program and complete
due diligence for projects.
Community Forest Program
Projects selected through a nationally
competitive
ompetitive process, after the
beginning of the fiscal year and once
funds are appropriated funds.
1. Type and extent of community
benefits provided.
2. Extent and nature of community
engagement in the establishment
and long-term
m management.
3. Amount of cost share leveraged.
4. Extent to which the community
forest contributes to a landscape
conservation initiative.
5. Extent of due diligence completed
on the project.
6. Likelihood that, unprotected, the
property would be converted to
nonforest uses.
7. Costs to the Federal government.
State Forests receives applications
from local governments and qualified
non-profit
profit organizations and, as time
and resources allows, determines if
the land and applicant are eligible,
identifies if the project contributes to a
landscape
scape conservation initiative, and
confirms that the project is not being
considered for FLP funding.
Authorizes funds to the State Forester
or equivalent Tribal official for
technical assistance for community
forest project implementation.
November 17, 2011