COMMUNITY FOREST AND OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION PROGRAM....a potential new tool for preserving private forests across the USA............which house 60% of all endangered and threatened plants and animals in our Country......let us hope that this program is fully funded by Congress............I am all for using my tax $$ for saving open space

Development Further Threatens At-Risk Species in U.S. Private Forests

In early January 2011, the U.S. Forest Service issued Threats to At-Risk Species in America's Private Forests: A Forests on the Edge Report. The document is the most recent in a series of reports produced as part of "Forests on the Edge," a Forest Service project working to highlight the benefits of and challenges facing the nation's private forests. This installment focuses on native animals and plants found in private forests, and the thousands that are already at-risk (listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act) in particular.
The report states that private forests are home to more than 60 percent of all at-risk species (numbering more than 4,6000 native plants and animals) in the lower 48 states. Private forests comprise greater than half of America's forests and face pressure from housing development, pests, diseases, and fire. Development is of particular concern, as it is likely to reduce important private forest habitat. The report estimates that more than 56 million acres of private forest throughout the United States are likely to undergo increased development over the next several decades. Beyond predictions of major losses in key habitats due to development, the report also offers recommendations to minimize impacts and slow the rate of loss.
A relevant but not directly related action by the Forest Service that has the potential to reduce the development rate of private forests is the proposed rule for implementing the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. Under this program, communities have the opportunity to apply for competitive grants to purchase and manage their own forests. The rule is currently open for comment until 7 March 2011.
To view the full report, visit the Forest Service website. For more information on the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program and how to comment on the proposed rule, view the Federal Register announcement.
Sources: U.S. Forest Service, E&E News, LLC (Land Letter).