2024 article
"Community Forests" in the United States - How Do we Know One When we See One?
Frey, G. E., Hajjar, R., Charnley, S., McGinley, K., Schelhas, J., Tarr, N. A., … Cubbage, F. W. (2024, June 12). SOCIETY & NATURAL RESOURCES.
author keywords: Collaborative forestry; community forestry; community-based forest management; town forests; tribal forests
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
1. No Poverty
(Web of Science)
2. Zero Hunger
(Web of Science)
13. Climate Action
(Web of Science)
15. Life on Land
(Web of Science)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: June 24, 2024
Community forests (CFs) involve communities in decision-making about, management of and access to forests, and have potential to benefit both communities and forests. However, they lack a single definition, clear distinction from related topics, or method for identification. This perspectives article explores historical and current literature on CFs and proposes a conceptual framework for understanding CFs and related concepts in the U.S. context. Through that exploration, we propose a conceptual framework for understanding their meaning and relationship. We propose three potential pathways for identifying CFs in the U.S., each with advantages and disadvantages. CFs can be identified by using a criteria and indicators approach; by participation in programs or networks designated for CFs; or by their own self-identification as a CF. We suggest that using a hybrid of these approaches will produce the most robust process for knowing a community forest when we see one.