Walk in the Woods

“The scenic Thompson River basin located in Northwest Montana holds ecological and recreational significance, making it a distinct and exceptional region. These lands are home to birds, fish, game, and other wildlife. Unfortunately, this project area in Montana is among several regions that experienced a decline in carbon stocks due to management practices by the previous owner. It is estimated that 57,000 green tones (undried) of wood were cut per year for the 10-year period prior to the project start date. To restore carbon stocks in the area, the project defers commercial timber harvest activities and implements improved forest management practices that enhance growth of a natural mix of Douglas fir, larch, true firs, western red cedar, lodgepole and ponderosa pine.”

– Dee Lawrence

Project Type: Nature-Based Removal

Carbon Standard: ACR

Vintage: 2023

Additionality: Business as usual is a highly profitable timber production that promotes minimal to no net growth of carbon stocking. Without the incentive provided by the sale of carbon, this forest would be regularly harvested.

Permanence: The project guarantees to maintain the carbon stocks at the end of 30 years for 100 years. The buffer pool or risk reversal is 17.59% to cover reversals in the event of a disaster.

Site Visit: To be decided

Green Diamond Company has a long history of managing forests throughout the United States. In 2021, the company acquired 291,000 acres of working forest land in Northwestern Montana. Their objective is to manage these lands as working forests by improving productivity while increasing carbon stocks and protecting shared community values including recreation, clean water, wildlife, and carbon.

The project area is approximately 71,864.61 acres and the project implements activities such as older rotation ages, uneven-aged forest management, and focuses on density management. The impact of these project activities will result in significant carbon sequestration at scale in a unique private forest in Montana.

Green Diamond has agreed to maintain public access for hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities by continuing its participation in the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Block Management program. Additionally, Green Diamond adheres to the terms of the Thompson-Fisher River Conservation Easement, a significant portion of which falls within the Green Diamond footprint to protect 142,0000 acres from being sold for future development. Furthermore, Green Diamond collaborates with The Trust for Public Land to successfully complete the ongoing Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Project and the Lost Trail Conservation Area, both of which would protect crucial wildlife habitats and migration corridors. These initiatives aim to ensure access to essential recreational areas for residents and visitors while preserving the integrity of working forests.

In line with its dedication to conservation, Green Diamond will assume the obligations outlined in the Native Fish Habitat Conservation Plan. This plan safeguards nearly 300,000 acres of habitat of native fish species, including bull trout, cutthroat, and other vulnerable varieties. Similar conservation agreements are in place for Green Diamond’s other properties. Such agreements, like the Native Fish HCP, provide long-term stability in managing forests while concurrently protecting the habitats of sensitive species.

The biodiversity of this area will be further preserved by encouraging growth of the native species that are well-suited to the region’s climate and ecosystem.

• Defer’s immediate timber harvest.
• Potential increase of acreage up to 250,000 managed in a similar fashion.
• Protection of biodiversity for native fish.
• Land open to the public and suitable for community recreation
• Good community relations

• Forest Fires
• Forest Pests
• Forest Diseases
• Unpredictable weather