What are forest carbon markets?

Carbon offset markets allow landowners to sell the carbon taken up by their forest to another entity to compensate for emissions made elsewhere. Forest carbon offset projects can include improved forest management practices, avoided deforestation, or tree planting. Programs are open to all forestland owners, including family forests, municipalities, tribes, non-profit groups, and public entities. Selling forest carbon can provide an additional source of revenue to a landowner and the long-term commitment keeps forests intact, but carbon projects are complex and may not be suitable for all forest parcels.  

For more information on forest carbon markets, check out the following resources

• FPR's guide on Forest Carbon Markets for Vermont Landowners

• Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program, a regional clearinghouse for information on forest carbon science, management, and markets.

• Check out this short guide from the Securing Northeast Forest Carbon Program on Climate Change, Forest Carbon & Carbon Markets