Forest conservation is the conservation, preservation and management of natural resources and the regeneration of forest adjacent and increasing animal habitat. Community conservation efforts for more than thitry years have ameliorated the condition of Baghmara Bufferzone Community Forest.  The institutional engagement and involvement of local stakeholders in process of conservation has significant beneficial impact on forest cover and a slow rate of deforestation.  Today, Baghmara Bufferzone Community Forest has become a model of sustainable community forest conservation in Nepal where, grazing and illegal collection of fuel wood and fodder and hunting is totally controlled.

The Forest User Group has spent money and manpower on forest habitat management and hired forest guards and staff –members to assist with conservation activities.  Every season, the user group performs forest management activities inside the forest in collaboration with government, local stakeholders and users. To keep the forest habitat healthy and animal friendly, thinning, cleaning, pruning and plantation are regular activities. Similarly, forest has created several patch of grassland to provide greater biodiversity. Grassland management include cutting and clearing of tall grasses and invasive species. On the other hand, the construction and maintenance of existing and new wetlands is ongoing inside the forest. Water from Budi Rapti River was channeled to fill the water holes. Although the community forest is a rather small, the mixed and naturally regenerated forest habitat supports a large number of species.

Baghmara Bufferzone Community Forest Operational Plan has strictly prohibited certain activities in order to conserve the forest.

• Illegal extraction of forest products
• Forest fire, coal burning
• Poaching
• Grazing
• Shifting cultivation
• Encroachment
• Mining, quarrying of sand, gravels and stone
• Making house and huts
• Entry without permission

Due to such protection system adopted, the forest has the following changes.

• Forest products (timber, fuel wood, grass, leaf littler) are equally distributed
• Water supply in river, water hole and wetland has increased and become permanent
• Soil erosion in the forest has significantly decreased
• Forest condition and quality has improved
• Richness of plant and animal species has also increased

There are many ongoing campaigns in local and community level for broad awareness and conservation. The Plastic Free campaign in forest area is declared and is under implementation and pre-awareness and management activities were jointly done by all local stakeholders. On the other hand; to aware local users, farmers and students on importance of biodiversity and wildlife safety behavior, forest has conducted numerous awareness camps in local communities.