#United States #Carbon Credits #NativState #Forest Conservation #Conway, Arkansas

NativState Unveils New Carbon Credits from Forest Projects

NativState, LLC, operating out of Conway, Arkansas, is making headlines with the recent verification and release of high-quality carbon credits derived from two vital Improved Forest Management (IFM) projects. These projects not only emphasize carbon sequestration but also advocate for environmental sustainability and biodiversity.

The two newly verified projects are known as ACR 900 Calion Ouachita River Wilderness and ACR 1015 Bottomland Forests of the Mississippi Backswamps and Delta Mixed Forests. Both projects are significant milestones as they represent NativState's fifth and sixth verifications, and notably, they are the first to be validated under the ACR Improved Forest Management on Non-Federal U.S. Forestlands Methodology version 2.1. This development aligns with global standards for carbon credit quality, as marked by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s (ICVCM) Core Carbon Principles (CCP) label.

Project Highlights

ACR 900 Calion Ouachita River Wilderness

The ACR 900 project encompasses over 36,000 acres of prime forestland in the West Gulf Coastal Plain region of Arkansas. Managed by the Calion Lumber Company, this family-owned operation exemplifies a commitment to sustainable forestry. The Thomas Family, who manages the land, voiced their determination to preserve their land through sustainable practices and the generation of carbon credits. They highlighted that their sustainable management practices have been pivotal in maintaining the unique characteristics of their forests, distinguishing them from larger corporate entities.

The ACR 900 project not only ensures the longevity of the land but also protects biodiversity. It serves as a habitat for various species, including black bears and bald eagles, and plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving water quality in the Ouachita River watershed, ultimately benefiting the downstream communities.

ACR 1015 Bottomland Forests

On the other hand, the ACR 1015 project represents a collaborative initiative involving multiple landowners, preserving over 37,000 acres across southern Arkansas, northern Louisiana, and western Mississippi. This project stands out as one of the largest efforts in the region aimed at combating forest degradation while promoting the generation of verified carbon credits through sustainable forest management. Most notably, it involves 48 distinct private landowners, with a majority of the land located in Louisiana.

Through sustainable forestry practices, including adherence to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, ACR 1015 ensures strict monitoring and protection of High Conservation Value areas. These efforts substantially contribute to increased carbon sequestration, improved water quality, and enhanced biodiversity, offering significant advantages to local ecosystems.

Commitment to Sustainability

The projects showcase NativState's dedication to providing family forest owners with sustainable economic alternatives. By participating in the carbon credit market, these owners can secure revenues without resorting to aggressive harvesting practices. Stuart Allen, the founder and CEO of NativState, remarked that these verifications signify a crucial step for both the company and private forest carbon development, reinforcing the trust placed in them by landowners seeking financially stable and environmentally friendly practices.

Dr. Kurt Krapfl, Director of Forestry at ACR, added that these projects illustrate the practicality of ACR's Improved Forest Management methodology in managing and conserving forests while enhancing biodiversity and water quality.

In summary, the verified credits from the ACR 900 and ACR 1015 projects are now available for purchase by eligible buyers. NativState continues to follow strict processes for third-party audits and verification, ensuring that each project adheres to high standards for creating quality carbon credits. This reflects NativState's commitment to supporting landowners in maintaining their forests and promoting climate resilience.

For further details on NativState's initiatives and projects, visit NativState's official page.