(1) The local level may develop, protect and manage forests on public lands in accordance with sub-section (1) of section 37 of the Act, except for national forests.
(2) According to sub-rule (1): When developing, protecting and managing forests, the local level can also do it through consumer groups. Such consumer groups should be registered at the local level.
(3) For the preparation and implementation of the forest management action plan of the consumer group as per sub-rule (2), the Division Forest Office and the Sub Division Forest Office shall provide necessary technical and other support.
(4) The forest management action plan as per sub-rule (3) shall be approved by the local level and an agreement shall be made with the consumer group and a certificate shall be issued in the format of schedule-49 for forest management on public land. The local level should keep the details of such consumer groups and give the same information to the Division Forest Office.
(5) In relation to the forest yield received in accordance with the approved forest management plan on public land: the consumer group can determine the price and sell and distribute it in accordance with the agreement with the local level. (6) When cutting the forest produce of the forest in the public land, the consent of the Division Forest Office should be taken and when transporting the forest produce, the stamp and seal of the Division Forest Office should be used for transportation.
(7) At least twenty-five percent of the amount received from the sale and distribution of forest products on public land should be spent on forest management and the remaining amount should be distributed according to the agreement between the relevant local level and consumer groups.
(8) According to sub-rule (1), if the relevant local level recommends that the forest area developed on public land be managed as a community forest, the divisional forest officer may form a user group and prepare a forest management action plan and recognize it as a community forest.