Preventing deforestation, growing healthy forests and planting trees are important tools to reduce the impacts of climate change. Companies trying to lower their overall greenhouse gas emissions sometimes buy forest carbon offsets to meet their emission reduction goals.
Historically, forest carbon markets were restricted to large landowners (more than 5,000 acres) who have enough carbon to make it worth the effort to enter into complex contracts. Markets for forest carbon offsets are changing rapidly, with new innovations to help family forest landowners access these markets.
Programs for family forest owners
Urban or rural landowners with as few as 20 acres of land now can find opportunities to sell forest carbon offsets in the voluntary and regulatory markets. Contracts range from one year to 125 years, with widely varying carbon prices and landowner requirements.
If you are interested in finding out more about forest carbon markets, join a free webinar from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27. The webinar is hosted by the Michigan Society of American Foresters, Michigan Forest Association and Davey Resource Group. Register and review the agenda.
Resources
The Forest Stewardship Program connects landowners and their families with foresters to help them manage, protect and enjoy their woods. The program is funded by the U.S. Forest Service and administered by the Department of Natural Resources. The DNR is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information, contact Mike Smalligan, 517-449-5666.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.
