Financial implications of enrolling Mississippi forest landowners in carbon offset programs

Abstract

This study examined the financial viability of managing loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) stands for increased carbon sequestration by Mississippi nonindustrial private forest landowners under three Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) forestry carbon offset programs: afforestation, managed forests, and long-lived wood products. At carbon prices of $4.25 per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent († CO 2e) and $10/† CO 2e, a forest management regime that provided the largest net present value (NPV) from timber production also provided the largest NPV when the stand was jointly managed for timber and increased carbon sequestration, regardless of the number of contracts. At a carbon price of $4.25/ † CO 2e, joint management for timber and increased carbon sequestration generated an additional NPV of up to $937/ha compared with the best management regime for timber only. Carbon prices of $10/† CO 2e and $20/† CO 2e increased NPV by $2,406/ha and $5,335/ha, respectively. Copyright © 2012 by the Society of American Foresters.