Tom Martin, president and CEO of the American Forest Foundation (AFF) has responded to the introduction of Rural Forests Markets Act which is designed to open carbon and other markets to small landowners, markets that are currently unavailable to them. Source: Timberbiz
By allowing the USDA to provide guarantees for upfront capital investment the financial burdens landowners face to enter carbon markets are reduced, allowing them to access revenue from carbon markets to finance stewardship activities that have a carbon sequestration benefit, among other co-benefits.
The bill is supported by American Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, American Forests, National Woodland Owners Association, National Association of State Foresters, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Northland Forest Products, Hardwood Federation, National Wild Turkey Federation, American Wood Council, Idaho Forest Group, Port Blakely, Domtar, Westrock, Ruffed Grouse Society, American Woodcock Society, American Forest and Paper Association, and International Paper.
The AFF is a national conservation organization that specializes in helping family-owned forests produce a wide array of benefits such as wildlife habitat, clean water, sustainable wood supplies and carbon storage.
“Across the US, families and private individuals own the largest portion – 36% – of our forests, making them a critical component to tackling climate change and ensuring the vitality of our rural forests and communities,” Mr Martin said.
“Yet these owners face significant barriers when it comes to being able to care for their forests, most notably cost. Markets, such as carbon markets, can help defray the cost of forest stewardship that might otherwise not be affordable to landowners, ultimately making a meaningful impact on the climate.
“The American Forest Foundation applauds Senator Stabenow and Senator Braun in helping open new markets for forest owners with the introduction of the Rural Forest Markets Act.”
