Understanding Community-Based Forest Ecosystem Management

Abstract

This paper synthesizes key issues identified and explored by a mix of practitioners, researchers, and resource managers who participated in a workshop designed to understand community-based ecosystem management. The interdependence between healthy ecosystems and community well-being lies at the heart of community-based ecosystem management.

Resilient Governance of Water Regimes in Variable Climates: Lessons from California’s Hydro-Ecological Zones

“…The Feather River Cooperative Resource Management Group (CRMG) developed information about, sought support for and implemented mutually beneficial opportunities that required minimal adjustments of formal authorities [26,35,80,81]. It has restored streams and stabilized streambanks, plugged meadows and gullies to lift groundwater storage and delay releases [78,82,83].…”

A survey of innovative contracting for quality jobs and ecosystem management.

“…In addition, a quality job allows someone to work near home (Ecosystem Workforce Program 2001, Gray et al 2001, Kauffman 2001, Mitsos 1996.…”

“…The Ecosystem Workforce Program at the University of Oregon defines quality jobs to include (1) high wages and benefits, (2) health and safety, (3) long duration, and (4) skill standards. In addition, rural community advocates argue that contractors living in rural communities near national forests should benefit from forest restoration (Danks and Jungwirth 1999, Gray et al 2001, Kauffman 2001, Mitsos 1996). …”

Integration of Local Ecological Knowledge and Conventional Science: a Study of Seven Community-Based Forestry Organizations in the USA

“…Community-based forestry and other local approaches to natural resource management on these lands have become increasingly popular as the need to balance environmental, social, and economic goals becomes ever more pressing (Wondolleck and Yaffee 2000, Gray et al 2001, Baker and Kusel 2003. Typically, large forestry institutions like the U.S. Forest Service, state forest agencies, and universities value scientific and technical expertise over the knowledge and experiences of local people.…”

“…Typically, large forestry institutions like the U.S. Forest Service, state forest agencies, and universities value scientific and technical expertise over the knowledge and experiences of local people. However, one of the primary characteristics of the community-based forestry approach that distinguishes it from more centralized, government-driven management is that people local to the resource participate directly or have a voice in stewardship activities (Wondolleck and Yaffee 2000, Gray et al 2001, Borchers and Kusel 2003, including management, monitoring, and research.…”