City Forests

Community-based forestry is a participatory approach to forest management that strengthens communities’ capacity to build vibrant local economies while protecting and enhancing their local forest ecosystems. By integrating ecological, social, and economic strategies into cohesive approaches to forestry issues, community-based approaches give local residents both the opportunity and the responsibility to manage their natural resources effectively and to enjoy the benefits of that responsibility.

-Aspen Institute

Explore

Arcata offers many ways to explore our forests, marshes and community through recreational programs for all ages. Learn more about these opportunities and sign up today.

The Arcata Community Forest, established in 1955, is comprised of 2,350 acres of second growth redwood forest in Humboldt County, California. Community Forests are relatively rare in the western United States, but recently there has been an increasing interest and effort to establish community forests. Timber harvest revenue funds forest operations, habitat restoration and management of the forest for recreational uses. A combination of working forest areas, special management areas and ecological reserves create a balanced management approach. Community forestry in Arcata is designed to provide local residents the opportunity and responsibility to manage their natural resources. In 2019, the Jacoby Creek Forest Tract was expanded by 80 acres thanks to a $1,754,000 grant from the California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, bringing that Tract to 1,420 acres. In 2020, an additional 114 acres was added to the Jacoby Creek Forest, courtesy of grant funding, thus further assisting with the Jacoby Creek Watershed Conservation Strategy.

Visual Backdrop

& Recreational Draw

The forest forms the visual backdrop of the town and provides extensive passive recreational use (i.e. hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and nature walks). Although the 18,000 town residents own the Arcata forest, stakeholders include the surrounding communities and the greater Humboldt County area.

The forest is a recreational draw in the region due its extensive trail system that supports hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Support
Donations to the Arcata Forest Fund at Humboldt Area Foundation provide a source of funding that assists the City of Arcata in preserving and expanding the Community Forest and to develop trails and restore forest habitat. The Arcata Community Forest is managed for recreation, watershed and habitat protection, carbon sequestration, and sustainable forestry use. Donations will also help the city leverage state and federal grants. Learn how you can support the Arcata Forest Fund at the Humboldt Area Foundation.

Legacy Giving

Your Values Live On

The City of Arcata is both proud and humbled when someone wishes to include the City and our community-based forestry practices and goals in their will. Our promise is to work towards a legacy of ongoing, conservation-based forest management, habitat protection and exceptional recreational trails, and we are more than grateful to have individuals join us in leaving that legacy. Be sure to seek the advice of your financial or legal advisor, and if you do include the City of Arcata Community Forest in your plans, please let us know by getting in touch with the Environmental Services Director. The City of Arcata's tax ID number is 86-2186507. If you would like more information about Legacy Giving, please contact the Environmental Services Department at 707-822-8184 or send an email.

Redwood Forest Bird Checklist

The Redwood Forest Bird Checklist (PDF) provides a list of the 144 bird species that may be found in the Arcata Community Forest.

Video

Watch this 6:06 minute video to learn more about the Arcata Community Forest and how it is managed.

Example for Other Communities

The Arcata Community Forest has served as an example for other communities that have wished to acquire and manage community forest lands. For those interested in doing this, access Acquiring and Managing A Community-Owned Forest: A Manual for Communities (PDF).

Helpful Online Resources

Below are links to resources about the Arcata Community Forest and community forestry:

A 45 minute webinar sponsored by University of California Cooperative Extension at which Arcata's Environmental Services Director/City Forester Mark Andre did a presentation entitled Arcata Community Forest, Community-Based Forestry at the Municipal Level in Northern California.
The Forest Stewards Guild has recognized the Arcata Community Forest as a Model Forest! Click here to see the Forest Statement. The Forest Stewards Guild's website also has useful links on community forestry. Access this webpage for more information.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint, Purchase Carbon Offsets

The City of Arcata has Climate Reserve Tonnes verified forest carbon credits available for purchase. Carbon credits are certificates that represent a reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. One carbon credit is equivalent to saving one metric tonne of carbon dioxide. Why offset greenhouse gases? Click here to learn more.
Offset your carbon footprint by buying carbon offsets from the Arcata Community Forest, access more information (PDF).

Living Next to a Forest

If you live next to the Arcata Community Forest, Jacoby Creek Tract or Sunny Brae Tract review Living with Wildfire in Northwest California (PDF), created by multiple local agencies such as CalFire, County of Humboldt and Fire Safe Council.