Deschutes Riparian Reforestation
Vital Statistics
Offsets: 234,000 metric tons carbon dioxide
Equivalent to taking 46,614 cars off the road for a year
Project Type: Sequestration
Project Lifetime: 50 years
Starting Date: February 2003
Location: Oregon
Project Partners: Deschutes Resources Conservancy
Project Description
The Climate Trust has contracted to buy offsets from a Deschutes Resources Conservancy (DRC) program that helps landowners in the Deschutes River Basin reforest denuded riparian areas with native trees. The Deschutes River is one of Oregon’s premier trout streams. Stock for replanting denuded stream banks are obtained from remnant stands of local native species. As the trees grow, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequester it in biomass. The amount of sequestration is being quantified according to a state-of-the-art monitoring and verification plan. The Climate Trust funding pays DRC to recruit and provide incentives to landowners to participate in the program. Landowners enter into legally binding agreements to preserve the trees for at least 50 years.
How the project reduces CO2
This DRC program will expand riparian areas beyond federal guidelines and ensure the trees are maintained for at least 50 years. By 2008, 1500 to 1800 acres of riparian habitat will be restored and actively sequestering carbon.
Through the planting and maintenance of native trees along riparian areas of the Deschutes River Basin, this project demonstrates how organizations can work together to restore riparian areas for water quality and fish and wildlife habitat while sequestering carbon to reduce the impact of global climate change. The carbon dioxide offsets from these sites will be quantified in accordance with a sophisticated monitoring and verification plan. The Climate Trust will acquire ownership of the sequestered carbon offsets from the DRC and the land owners, and retire them on behalf of the environment.
Non-GHG Benefits
- Improved water quality and stream flows
- Improved fish and wildlife habitat
- Increased aesthetic qualities
Additionality Criteria: Why We’re Involved
Without The Climate Trust’s funding, Deschutes Resource Conservancy would not be able to fund the staff needed for this project. The Climate Trust’s funding will also provide additional incentives for landowner participation which is a key aspect to success in this type of project.
Partners
Back