Carbon credits

Carbon Credits: Carbon credit programs have been around for a long time, but currently are not economically feasible for owners with less than a few thousand acres or so. KWOA director, Jimmie Sizemore reported on two programs that promise to provide benefits for smaller woodland owners:

• First, the Family Forest Carbon Program is a program created by the American Forest Foundation and the Nature Conservancy. The program provides payments to participants who engage in sustainable forestry practices. A pilot program is under way in Pennsylvania. Information can be found at www.forestcarbonworks.org. There are plans to extend the program beyond Pennsylvania.
• Second, SilviaTerra Natural Capital Exchange pays landowners to reduce their annual harvest. The program also is being tested in Pennsylvania. The plan is to extend the program geographically. Details are at www.silviaterra.com/ncapx