Forest Carbon Marketing for Private Landowners

Helping landowners turn conservation into opportunity.

Forest carbon offset programs offer a plainspoken deal for family woodland owners: get paid to grow trees and store carbon. In simple terms, companies and organizations will pay you for the carbon your forest removes from the atmosphere — measured in “carbon credits.” Each credit equals one metric ton of CO₂ kept out of the air. These credits are sold in carbon markets as offsets to counterbalance emissions elsewhere. For landowners, this means a new income stream for doing what you’re already inclined to do — managing your forest responsibly and sustainably. It’s a win-win that rewards good stewardship and helps fight climate change, all while you retain full ownership of your land.

At Stevens Forestry, we want to help demystify these forest carbon opportunities. Below, we break down what carbon offset programs are, how they work for private landowners, and what to consider if you’re thinking of enrolling. We also explain how we can guide you through the process. Our goal is to give you the facts in plain language so you can decide if forest carbon is right for you.

• Getting Paid: Carbon programs pay you for the CO₂ your trees capture. Landowners can receive periodic payments for keeping forests intact and growing — essentially earning income from carbon storage in the trees on their property. Programs frame this as “extra income” for improving your woods’ health and carbon stocks.

• Long-Term Commitment: Expect a commitment of 20 plus years. Enrolling in a carbon program isn’t a short-term deal — you’ll sign an agreement to maintain or enhance your forest carbon for decades. Many programs require multi-decade contracts. This long-term approach aligns with sustainable forestry but does mean you must be comfortable keeping your land forested for the duration.

• Available Programs: Even smaller woodlands can qualify. Historically, only huge timber holdings could sell carbon credits, but new programs cater to family forests. For example, the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) – a partnership of The Nature Conservancy and American Forest Foundation – works with landowners with as little as 30 forested acres. Forest Carbon Works (FCW) is another service that accepts around 40 plus acres. These initiatives are specifically designed so non-industrial private landowners can tap into carbon markets without needing an army of experts.

• Stevens Forestry’s Role: Deciding on a carbon project is complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. Stevens Forestry is affiliated with carbon companies and is familiar with many carbon options. We can evaluate your land’s eligibility, conduct a carbon inventory to estimate potential credits, and guide you through enrollment. From selecting a project developer to filling out paperwork and ensuring you stay in compliance, we’ve got your back at each step. Our role is to make sure the program you choose is a good fit for your woods.