This article highlights the findings of a recent survey to assess the extent of problems and opportunities relating to the issue of community forest inventory in Nepal. An interaction with 133 respondents from 40 districts identified 7 major problems in institutional, policy and technical aspects. Despite the emergence of several innovations in districts to cope with the issues, the inventory guideline itself has largely been unsuccessful in facilitating the sustainable management of the forest. A key recommendation following the analysis is outlined. The authors suggest that the policy intervention should allow innovations and context specific resource assessment methodologies to emerge.