09/27/2023

Leveraging Voluntary Carbon Markets to Restore Urban Forests

Tree planting and preservation projects for carbon offsetting are becoming more feasible as credit prices climb in the voluntary carbon market. Carbon projects can provide municipalities, land trusts, and other landowners with a new revenue stream for forest restoration and management. City Forest Credits is the leading U.S. registry for urban forestry carbon, specializing in projects that deliver carbon and co-benefits, including stormwater, air quality, and energy savings benefits, to urban communities. This workshop will walk attendees through examples of tree planting and preservation projects in Ohio and Virginia that are registered with City Forest Credits.

Presenters will share practical tips that attendees can use to evaluate the eligibility of potential carbon projects. Requirements for additionality, meant to create high-quality projects and safeguard consumers against greenwashing, require potential applicants to examine state and local regulations, deeds, and physical characteristics of land to determine eligibility for forest preservation and tree planting/reforestation carbon projects. Long project timelines—25 years for tree planting projects and 40 years for forest preservation projects—require foresight and planning. Attendees will learn to set expectations for application, verification, and monitoring of carbon projects so they can adequately judge project costs and benefits. They will leave this session with skills that will help them more confidently converse with stakeholders about carbon offsetting.

Speakers

Sandra Albro

Sarah Blakely