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Community Forest Program

The Community Forest Program (CFP) is a competitive national grant program offered by the U.S. Forest Service that provides financial assistance to tribal entities, local governments, and qualified conservation non-profit organizations to acquire and establish community forests.

Forestland purchased must provide community benefits such as economic benefits through active forest management, clean water, wildlife habitat, educational opportunities, and public access for recreation.

Program Basics 

  • 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.

What Land is Eligible?

  • Private forestland  
  • Threatened by conversion to non-forest use  
  • Not held in trust by the United States  
  • That provides defined community benefits  
  • At least five acres in size, suitable to sustain natural vegetation, and at least 75% forested

More Information

For an overview of the program, download our fact sheet: Community Forest Program Call for Proposals.

2020 Community Forest Program Application Package

For more information about the Community Forest Program, contact:

Misty Booth
Urban & Community Forestry Coordinator
(601) 213-6683
mbooth@mfc.ms.gov