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USDA/FS RIN: 0596-AC84 Publication ID: Fall 2010 
Title: Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program 
Abstract: Description of Proposed Action: Proposed rulemaking for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program, authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill. The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program amends the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act (CFAA) by inserting after section 7 (Forest Legacy), section 7a. This program will provide Federal matching grants to help local government, tribes, or NGOs acquire private forests that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses. Properties acquired are working forests open to hunting and fishing. Authorizes appropriations of "such sums as are necessary." New program authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill (Pub. L. 110-234), section 8003. The acquisition of parcels for the creation of community forests requires detailed documentation and complex procedures. While the Forest Service has experience working with States on similar activities through the Forest Legacy Program, this new program will require the Forest Service to provide grants directly to tribes, local governments, and non-profit organizations. This will require a high level of accountability from grantees to protect the Federal investment in purchasing community forests. The loss of open space was identified by the Chief of the Forest Service as one of four threats to our Nation’s forests and grasslands and "Conserve Open Space" is the third goal in the Forest Service 2007-2012 Strategic Plan. The recently released Forest Service Open Space Conservation Strategy outlines agency actions to conserve open space. This program is also similar to the USDA Farm Bill proposal "Community Forests Working Lands Program." 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 36 CFR 230, subpart A     (To search for a specific CFR, visit the Code of Federal Regulations.)
Legal Authority: PL 110-234, sec 8003   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  01/00/2011    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: None 
Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Lorrie Parker
Regulatory Analyst
Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
ATTN: ORMS, D&R Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW,
Washington, DC 20250-0003
Phone:202 205-6560
Fax:202 260-6539
Email: lsparker@fs.fed.us