Community Forests: A Vital Resource for Conservation and People
The forests of the Great Peninsula are more than just stands of trees. They’re living, breathing ecosystems that clean our air, filter our water, and provide vital habitat to countless species of wildlife. Forests have shaped our region’s character and culture, providing countless jobs and boundless opportunities for recreation.
Here at Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC), we are dedicated to preserving these healthy, high-functioning landscapes. One of the ways we accomplish this is using the community forest model of land management. Through shared decision making and stewardship, we’re able to protect these irreplaceable resources while keeping them vibrant and accessible for future generations.
Think of community forests as shared natural spaces where conservation meets community needs. Community forests bridge the gap between preservation and practical use, creating a space where the community plays an active role in shaping decisions about everything from trail maintenance to wildlife protection. Whether it’s families out for weekend hikes, students studying stream health, or ecologically sustainable harvest of forest products, community forests prove that we can protect natural areas while keeping them as working, living spaces that benefit everyone.
GPC’s Community Forests
GPC manages two community forests, the Newberry Woods Community Forest and the Divide Community Forest.
Newberry Woods Community Forest
With stunning views of Hood Canal, the Newberry Woods Community Forest (NWCF) contains 1.5 miles of the salmon-bearing Little Anderson Creek and is home to trees over 100 years old. Just north of the Newberry Hill Heritage Park, this 202-acre community forest protects a vital wildlife corridor to Hood Canal and provides habitat for a multitude of birds, mammals, and other native wildlife.
GPC acquired the NWCF in October 2022 with funding from the USFS’s Community Forest Program, Kitsap County Conservation Futures, and the U.S. Navy’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program. Thanks to a generous donation by the landowners, a section of the forest is named the Lindstrom Family Preserve.
Learn more about the Newberry Woods Community Forest.
The Divide Community Forest
Straddling the Grovers Creek and Gamble Creek watersheds and home to stunning views of both the North Cascades and Olympic Mountains, the Divide Community Forest (commonly referred to as The Divide) spans 467 acres of vital forestland. As Great Peninsula Conservancy’s (GPC) newest community forest, this property serves as a critical link in an 1,850-acre wildlife corridor stretching across the Kitsap Peninsula. The DCF features six wetland and riparian areas rich with diverse plant communities and a remarkable array of wildlife. The property’s good soils, ample moisture, and moderate slopes provide some of the best growing conditions in western Washington.
The DCF was acquired in December 2024 with funding from the State RCO Community Forest Program, Kitsap Conservation Futures, the Washington Opportunity Fund, GPC’s Land Acquisition Action Fund, and several major contributions from private donors.
Learn more about the Divide Community Forest.
How do Community Forests work?
Community forests have many definitions, but broadly speaking, they are forestlands managed for the benefit of the local community. GPC’s community forests provide the community with secure and reliable access to the ecological, social, and economic benefits produced by forests.
Before creating a management plan for a community forest, Great Peninsula Conservancy (GPC) works closely with the community to create a shared vision for the forest’s future. We engage with a wide range of voices—stakeholders, individuals, and interest groups—who share a connection to the forest. Through collaborative meetings, GPC and the community come together to define goals and objectives, ensuring the forest provides lasting benefits.
What are the benefits of a Community Forest?
Community forests offer numerous benefits, making them an invaluable resource for both conservation and community well-being. Key benefits of community forests include:
- Health and safety of people and ecosystems: Community forests create opportunities for communities and individuals to engage in nature, offering remarkable benefits for mental health and quality of life. Additionally, community forests are home to countless species of flora and fauna, helping to ensure robust and resilient populations of native species have the space they need.
- Public Access and Recreation: These forests serve as essential green spaces for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and educational programs. By providing accessible areas for recreation, we promote healthier lifestyles and foster a love for nature among members of the local community.
- Public Access and Recreation: These forests serve as essential green spaces for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and educational programs. By providing accessible areas for recreation, we promote healthier lifestyles and foster a love for nature among members of the local community.
- Community Engagement: Community engagement is a key component to community forest management. It encourages people to participate in conservation efforts, building a sense of ownership and responsibility for their local environment.
- Economic Opportunities: Well-managed community forests can provide sustainable resources, such as ecologically harvested timber and non-timber forest products, benefiting local economies while moving forests toward old-growth characteristics more quickly. This approach supports sustainable livelihoods while ensuring that our natural resources are managed responsibly.
Community Forest FAQs
What is a community forest?
Community forests have many definitions, but broadly speaking, they are forestlands managed for the benefit of the local community. Community forests provide the community with secure and reliable access to the ecological, social, and economic benefits produced by forests.
What are the benefits of a community forest?
There are many benefits of a community forest. Community forests protect vital water supplies and wildlife habitat, increase public access and recreational opportunities, create local educational resources that connect people to nature, and provide economic benefits.
Can I visit a community forest?
Yes! Community forests are generally designed to be open to the public, offering spaces for recreation, education, and community gatherings. Explore our local community forests to discover the activities and resources available to you: Newberry Woods Community Forest and Divide Community Forest.
How is a community forest different from other forests?
As with all GPC conservation projects, the primary objective of our acquisitions is to protect the ecological integrity and habitat value of the land. Community forests are intentionally purchased with the purpose of bringing land and local people together in a meaningful, long-term way. Upland forest areas are difficult to fund through grants as most state and federal funding in Puget Sound focuses on shoreline and riparian habitat protection. By using grants specifically focused on community forests, GPC is able to protect large swaths of critical upland forest habitat. Community forests are managed based on input and guidance from community members, so every community forest takes a slightly different form.
Who owns a community forest?
As the community’s local land trust, GPC owns our community forests, but we work closely with the public to manage the forest for the benefit of the broader community. In other regions, community forests are often operated under the ownership and management of different groups or organizations. These include municipalities or counties, federally recognized Tribes, regional conservation groups, land trusts, and other community-based organizations.
How do community forests support conservation?
Community forests provide critical habitats for various species, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. By protecting these areas, we ensure that native wildlife has the necessary resources for survival and reproduction.
How do community forests contribute to local economies?
Community forests provide many economic benefits to the local community. They can provide a source of income through the sustainable harvest and sale of timber and non-wood forest products. They can also generate revenue from recreational activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, which attracts tourists and supports businesses in nearby communities. They also act as an economic catalyst for rural areas, helping to create jobs and boost local spending.
What will management of the community forest look like?
Each community forest has a management plan that outlines short- and long-term management goals. Management practices vary depending on ecological goals and community needs. Our focus is on maintaining a healthy ecosystem while fostering community engagement.
Can I contribute to a community forest?
Yes, you can! There are many ways to engage with community forests, including volunteering for restoration projects, participating in educational programs, and advocating for conservation initiatives in your area. Check out our events calendar for upcoming opportunities to get involved!
Can I donate to the community forest?
Absolutely! Donations help fund conservation projects, community engagement efforts, and educational programs related to community forests.
Ways to Get involved
Visit our Conservation Program page or Stewardship Program page to learn more about our conservation efforts and how you can contribute to our work. Together, we can protect our community forests and ensure a sustainable future for our natural landscapes.