City Forests
-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.
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).