PORTLAND, Ore., April 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Climate Trust (TCT),
Oregon-based nonprofit leader in
carbon offset project finance and development, has recently
partnered with Burnett County,
Wisconsin to develop a carbon project including 95,000 acres
of forestland that has been entered into the Improved Forest
Management on Non-Federal U.S. Forestlands Initiative with
American Carbon Registry (ACR). This represents over 85% of the
county's total forestland.
The partnership between TCT and Burnett County is based on a 20-year contract,
with the goal of optimizing and sustaining the forest's utility
including the production of forest products, recreational
opportunities, wildlife, watershed protection, stabilization of
stream flow, and most recently, carbon.
"This partnership with The Climate Trust brings together two
organizations that are ardently focused on the highest and best use
of our forest production areas in the County. We are excited for
this project and how it will benefit our community over the next 20
years." – County Board Chairman, Donald
Taylor.
Enrollment into a carbon project is fully consistent with the
County's Forest Comprehensive Land Use Plan. "The mission of the
Burnett County Forest and Park Department is to provide part of the
base for satisfying the ecological and socioeconomic needs of
Burnett County—to manage, conserve and protect our resources and
facilities in a safe, sustainable condition for present and future
generations." – Forest Administrator, Jake
Nichols
Burnett County's forestland has
a checkered history having experienced fires and failed farms.
Through investment and management by the county with assistance
from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the lands have
recovered and matured into productive forests. A carbon project
protects the significance of the forest's health, and its benefits
to the community. The local community is dependent on the forest to
generate timber revenues to offset local taxes and fund a portion
of the local county government. Carbon revenue will help diversify
existing forest-based revenues, providing additional certainty and
assistance with county budgeting for the next two
decades.
The sustainability of the project's benefits is furthered by the
40-year commitment required by ACR for Burnett County to enter into the
protocol. ACR is a leading global carbon crediting program
operating in regulated and voluntary carbon markets. With TCT
leading the improved forest management methodology, the
calculation of the project's carbon benefit will be measurable and
transparent, and will ensure a meaningful impact for Burnett County.
"Partnering with The Climate Trust furthers the County's vision
of stewardship by utilizing our forest asset for future revenue and
supporting climate mitigation efforts, all while maintaining
existing management practices and uses for the taxpayers of
Burnett County." – County
Administrator, Nate Ehalt
Founded in 1997, TCT is focused on climate impact using carbon
markets. TCT promotes healthy ecosystems and resilient communities
by scaling nature-based solutions and mobilizing markets to solve
ecological issues with project development and financing.
TCT is excited to work alongside Burnett County and looks forward to our
long-term partnership.
Jeremy Koslowski, Director,
Forest Carbon Partnerships, 503-238-1915 x403,
jkoslowski@climatetrust.org
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SOURCE The Climate Trust