Understanding Forest Carbon Credits
Forests are Earth's most effective natural carbon sinks. Every year, your trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it in their wood, leaves, and roots. Forest carbon credits allow you to monetize this environmental service by selling verified carbon offsets to companies seeking to reduce their net emissions.
At Cedrick Logging, we've helped landowners generate over $2.4 million in carbon credit revenue while preserving 45,000+ acres of forestland. Our program handles the complex verification, monitoring, and marketplace transactions—you simply continue being a good steward of your land.
The Science of Carbon Sequestration
Through photosynthesis, trees convert atmospheric CO₂ into organic carbon, storing it in their biomass. A single mature tree can sequester up to 48 pounds of CO₂ per year. Here's the breakdown:
Above-Ground
Trunk, branches, and leaves store ~80% of tree carbon
Roots
Root systems store carbon and transfer to soil
Soil Carbon
Decomposing matter enriches forest soil
Verification Process & Standards
All carbon credits in our program are verified by leading third-party registries. This ensures your credits meet the highest international standards and are recognized by major corporations and compliance markets.
Verra (VCS)
The world's largest voluntary carbon market registry. VCS credits are accepted by Fortune 500 companies globally.
American Carbon Registry
The first private voluntary GHG registry in the US, recognized for rigorous methodology standards.
Climate Action Reserve
North America's premier carbon offset registry with transparent, standardized protocols.
Gold Standard
WWF-established standard ensuring environmental integrity and sustainable development benefits.
Market Overview & Pricing
The carbon credit market has grown exponentially, with voluntary carbon offset purchases increasing 40% annually. Current market pricing varies by project type, location, and co-benefits.
| Market Type | Price Range (per ton) | Key Buyers |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary (Basic) | $10 - $20 | SMEs, individuals |
| Voluntary (Premium) | $20 - $50 | Fortune 500, ESG funds |
| Compliance (California CAP) | $25 - $35 | Regulated industries |
| Nature-Based (Co-benefits) | $30 - $75 | Tech companies, luxury brands |
Voluntary vs. Compliance Markets
Voluntary Markets
- ✓ Lower barriers to entry
- ✓ Flexible project requirements
- ✓ Growing demand from corporations
- ✓ Premium pricing for quality projects
- Best for: Most landowners, smaller projects
Compliance Markets
- ✓ Government-regulated programs
- ✓ Guaranteed buyers (cap-and-trade)
- ✓ Stricter verification requirements
- ✓ Stable, predictable pricing
- Best for: Large tracts in eligible states (CA, WA)
Step-by-Step Enrollment Process
Initial Assessment
We evaluate your property's eligibility based on size, forest type, ownership history, and location. Minimum 40 acres of contiguous forestland required.
LiDAR & Inventory
Our drones conduct detailed LiDAR surveys to accurately measure carbon stocks in your forest. This establishes your baseline carbon inventory.
Project Development
We develop a carbon project under your chosen registry, including management plans, additionality documentation, and permanence provisions.
Third-Party Verification
An accredited auditor validates your carbon inventory and project methodology. This typically takes 60-90 days.
Credit Issuance
Upon verification, carbon credits are issued to your registry account. Credits can be held, sold on the open market, or pre-sold to corporate buyers.
Monitoring & Payments
Annual monitoring ensures continued sequestration. You receive payments as credits are sold, typically 70-85% of gross revenue.
Success Stories
"Our 800-acre family forest now generates $28,000 annually in carbon credits. It's like getting paid to do what we were already doing—protecting our land for future generations."
"Cedrick's team handled everything from LiDAR surveys to marketplace negotiations. Our first verification was approved in 90 days, and we had our first payment within 120 days."