By Andi Anderson
The Forest Carbon and Climate Program (FCCP) recently hosted a one-day workshop in Albany, New York, to help landowners and forestry professionals understand and engage in voluntary forest carbon markets.
Organized by Dr. Chad Papa, Dr. Raju Pokharel, and Evan Beresford, the event aimed to offer tools and guidance on balancing timber production and carbon income.
The workshop opened with Fiona Watt, Director of Lands & Forests at the NYSDEC, who shared insights into New York’s forest management strategy. Following that, Dr. Papa and Dr. Pokharel introduced the basics of forest carbon markets and demonstrated an online forest carbon calculator.
This tool allows landowners to compare the costs and benefits of managing land for timber versus carbon credits.
Participants also heard from experts like Will McCall from Cornell Cooperative Extension, who discussed state-level landowner resources, and Jessica Bakowski from Forest Carbon Works (FCW), who shared how carbon markets can align with timber production.
Chris Zimmerman from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) presented opportunities through programs like the Family Forest Carbon Program and Working Woodlands, both designed to help landowners earn income through carbon credits.
In the afternoon, attendees visited the Alcove Reservoir, where over 7,000 acres of hardwood forest are enrolled in a voluntary carbon market. The field tour highlighted slash wall techniques and natural regeneration practices, which also protect water sources for Albany.
The final stop was at the Siuslaw Model Forest, where participants learned how carbon management can be combined with income-generating crops like ginseng and fruit-bearing plants.
This hands-on experience gave landowners practical tools and new ideas for combining environmental stewardship with income through forest carbon engagement.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-alexeyrumyantsev
Categories: Michigan, General