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