[johnhiler]

Yup, you can use the same database as your current wordpress install – in fact, you have to in order to integrate the user data:

https://bbpress.org/documentation/integration-with-wordpress/

“bbPress can share user data with an existing WordPress installation. All you need to do is specify the location of that database on installation or afterwards in the “WordPress Integration” section of the “Settings” area in your bbPress admin.”