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"Community Forests" in the United States – How Do we Know One When we See One?

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Bibliographic Details
Title: "Community Forests" in the United States – How Do we Know One When we See One?
Authors: Frey, Gregory E.1 (AUTHOR) gregory.e.frey@usda.gov, Hajjar, Reem2 (AUTHOR), Charnley, Susan3 (AUTHOR), McGinley, Kathleen4 (AUTHOR), Schelhas, John5 (AUTHOR), Tarr, Nathan A.6 (AUTHOR), McCaskill, Lauren2 (AUTHOR), Cubbage, Frederick W.6 (AUTHOR)
Source: Society & Natural Resources. Aug2024, Vol. 37 Issue 8, p1240-1252. 13p.
Subject Terms: *Forest management, *Community forestry, *Community forests, Historical literature, Decision making
Abstract: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: GreenFILE
Description
Abstract: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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:08941920
DOI:10.1080/08941920.2024.2361413