#United States #New York #biodiversity #Chestnut Carbon #FSC Certification

Chestnut Carbon's Landmark Achievement in Biodiversity Restoration

Chestnut Carbon, a leading developer of nature-based carbon removal solutions, recently reached a significant milestone by becoming the first project in the United States to obtain certification under the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) Verified Impact program specifically for biodiversity conservation. This certification recognizes Chestnut's Sustainable Restoration Project, which has successfully restored over 16,000 acres of native forestland in the U.S.

Significance of the Certification

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is globally recognized for promoting responsible management of the world's forests. By achieving this certification, Chestnut Carbon has demonstrated its commitment to implementing forestry practices that not only focus on carbon removal but also prioritize the enhancement of biodiversity in forest ecosystems. The Verified Impact program provides third-party validation of the project's contributions to diverse ecological factors, including watershed health, soil conservation, and the promotion of native species habitats.

As part of a broader strategy, Forest Carbon Works, a division of Chestnut Carbon, has held an FSC certificate since 2022, emphasizing its long-term commitments to sustainable carbon management. The Verified Impact certification further adds credibility to its project, allowing it to quantify its environmental impacts accurately and transparently showcase them under the trusted FSC brand.

Restoration Efforts and Future Goals

With ambitious plans to restore hundreds of thousands of acres back to vibrant ecosystems over the next century, Chestnut Carbon aims to significantly contribute to climate action. Shannon Smith, Chief Commercial Officer of Chestnut Carbon, expressed pride in their certification achievement, indicating that it is a testament to their dedicated efforts to conserve and restore forestland while striving for carbon dioxide removal in the atmosphere.

This historic certification will not only bolster Chestnut's reputation but also facilitate its goal to remove 100 million tons of carbon dioxide in the coming years. The impact of their initiatives promises a positive contribution towards climate goals while also enriching local ecosystems.

Recognition by Forest Stewardship Council

The significance of this accomplishment has been underscored by feedback from Thomas Kain, Senior Manager for U.S. Certification and Business Development at FSC. He noted that this is the first application of the FSC Ecosystem Services Verified Impacts in the U.S., signifying an important step towards enhancing sustainable forestry practices in the country.

Commitment to Authentic Carbon Credits

Apart from the FSC certification, Chestnut Carbon’s project also complies with the rigorous verification standards set by Gold Standard, ensuring that the carbon removals achieved are additional and credible. This is crucial, as these removals would not have been realized without the intervention of carbon markets, further enforcing the integrity of their long-term carbon management solutions.

About Chestnut Carbon

Founded in 2022 with the backing of energy-focused alternative asset manager Kimmeridge, Chestnut Carbon is at the forefront of developing high-quality forest carbon offsets in the U.S. They utilize an innovative approach to creating carbon offset projects, focusing on family-owned lands and marginal lands previously used for agriculture. Their team comprises experts from diverse fields, ensuring a well-rounded, effective approach to achieving environmental goals.

For more information on their initiatives and dedication to sustainable forestry, visit Chestnut Carbon's website.