February 2025

In This Issue:

Resources

A New Reforestation Guide

Related Upcoming Events

Climate Smart Wood Group Webinar Series (February 25, March 25, and April 29)

Resources

A New Reforestation Guide

Learn about the role of tree planting in this latest guide written by Dr. Pete Clark, Paul Catanzaro, and Dr. Tony D’Amato.

This practical resource is catered to landowners, foresters, and land managers using tree planting as a forest management tool for carbon mitigation plantings, climate adaptation, and other reforestation opportunities.

The guide includes decision‑making tools such as the seven key steps for success, case studies from the Northeast, and links to additional resources.

Read the Guide

Watch the Webinar

Related Upcoming Events

Watch the Climate Smart Wood Group Webinar Series

Join this series about Climate Smart Wood production hosted by the New England Forestry Foundation. The series discusses the basics of climate smart wood, transparency in wood supply chains, procurement of climate smart wood, and cases studies.

Reserve your spot and watch on online at 3 PM on February 25, March 25, and April 29.

Learn more and Register for the Events

Learn More How to Apply

How did UConn Researchers estimate statewide

forest aboveground biomass?

University of Connecticut researchers, led by Dr. Shashika Himandi Gardeye Lamahewage, recently published a paper demonstrating a novel approach for mapping forest aboveground biomass. The team developed models that integrate open-source remote sensing datasets with field-collected forest plot data to estimate forest aboveground biomass across Connecticut.

These results support data-driven decision-making for incorporating forest carbon into Connecticut’s planning and policy efforts and demonstrate a practical, scalable application of open-source data to produce statewide, fine-scale forest biomass estimates.

Read the Article

Read the Paper

New Hampshire and Aurora Stewardship Agreement in the Connecticut Lakes Headwater Forest

Governor Kelly Ayotte and Aurora Sustainable Lands have signed a new five-year stewardship agreement governing the management of the Connecticut Lakes Headwaters, encompassing 146,000 acres of conserved forestland in the North Woods.

The agreement allows for multiple forest uses, including annual timber harvests of up to an annual average of 30,000 cords, while incorporating Aurora’s carbon sequestration practices. Quarterly reports will be issued under the oversight of the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Read the Article

All About Nature-based Markets

Nature-based Market

5-Step Credibility Checklist

In the rapidly changing landscape of nature-based markets, greater literacy is needed to evaluate market integrity and ensure meaningful environmental and social benefits.

Dr. Sophus O.S.E. zu Ermgassen and collaborators developed a 5‑Step Checklist to evaluate nature-based markets. The framework provides reflective questions, real-world examples, and design recommendations to support more effective and credible market development.

Read the Article

Read the Paper

Join the conservation on Nature-based Carbon Market Integrity

Ecosystem Marketplace, a nonprofit organization, created a Nature-based Carbon Integrity online forum to facilitate discussions around the rapidly evolving academic and policy landscape of nature-based markets, with a primary focus on carbon offsets.

The forum aims to strengthen integrity and transparency by providing a space for stakeholders to effectively communicate nature-based carbon programs informed by the latest science, governance frameworks, safeguards, financing approaches, and other critical topic areas.

Read the Announcement

Join on LinkedIn

Chestnut Carbon IFM Project First Verified for Biodiversity Impacts

Chestnut Carbon is a U.S. developer of Nature-based Carbon removal projects and was just certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for its Improved Forest Management under a projected called Family Forest Carbon Project.

The project is the first in the U.S. to certify biodiversity conservation verified impact that includes: improved air, water, soil, habitat for native wildlife, and increased climate resilience for surrounding communities. Chestnut Carbon is a growing example of the role and need of credible Nature-based Carbon markets.

Read the Article

Read About the Improved Forest Management Program

Visit the NFCCP Website!

Who to Contact in Your State

Connecticut – Andrea Urbano, Service Forester, CT Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection – Andrea.Urbano@ct.gov
Maine – Andy Whitman, Climate/Carbon Specialist, Maine Forest Service – Andrew.Whitman@maine.gov
Massachusetts – Christina McKeown, MA DCR Climate Forester – Christina.MCKeown2@mass.gov
New Hampshire – Steve Roberge, Extension State Specialist, UNH Cooperative Extension – Steven.Roberge@unh.edu
New York – Molly Hassett, Forest Climate Section Leader, NY DEC, Division of Lands and Forests – Molly.Hassett@dec.ny.gov
Rhode Island – Nancy Stairs, Cooperative Forestry Program Supervisor, RI Dept of Environmental Management, Div. of Forest Environment – Nancy.Stairs@dem.ri.gov
Vermont – Al Freeman, Climate Forester, VT Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation– Alissa.Freeman@vermont.gov