The Community Forest
Can Hays Woods become Pittsburgh’s Community Forest? 
Through
out the world, a Community Forest is any forest managed by a
local government or community group for the benefit of the entire
community. The woodlands provide long term opportunities including
employment, forest related education, skill training and other
social, environmental and economic benefits. Community Forests
encourage environmental stewardship including management of timber,
water, wildlife and cultural heritage. They provide social and
economic benefit to adjacent communities as well as to improve
the overall well being of the Nation.
Currently Hays Woods is an unmanaged forest. It is used by 
local
residents for recreational purposes including skiing, hiking,
bike riding and bird watching. Hunting is also a popular activity
which provides food for local families. The complex topic of
Hays Woods, including the struggle between politics, extractive
industry, private ownership vs. public ownership and the civil
rites of the natural world is a platform for environmental educational
programs presented by Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham College,
The School and Community Program of the Pittsburgh Center for
the Arts as well as the Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh, and
the 3 Rivers Arts Festival.
Currently Hays Woods functions close to its full potential as
a 
unique urban ecosystem. It continues to be enjoyed by groups
who have used it for recreation for generations. Recently, due
to the controversy of the proposed development, hundreds of Pittsburghers
have discovered this secret forest. The full potential of opportunities
for Hays Woods to become Pittsburgh’s Community Forest has yet
to be explored.
Animals and people share use of Community Forests.
