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Forest Carbon Offsets

We need healthy forests now, more than ever.

Not all carbon offsets are created equal. Our carbon offsets project not only drawdown vast amounts of carbon emissions, they also preserve endangered forest ecosystems and have the potential to create new economic opportunities for rural communities.

For the past ten years, Community Forests International has pioneered natural climate solutions that preserve endangered forest ecosystems while creating regenerative economic opportunities for rural communities. One of our most successful innovations has been building forest carbon projects to conserve mature Wabanaki-Acadian forests. The Wabanaki-Acadian forest has a very low risk of fire, making it one of the best forest types in Canada for secure carbon storage. Unfortunately, only 5% of this special forest remains in pre-colonial condition.

Since creating the first forest carbon project east of British Columbia in 2012, we have been able to preserve almost 1,260 acres of intact Wabanaki-Acadian forest by partnering with responsible businesses and organizations. Now, we are working to make these same carbon market opportunities accessible to small family forest owners across the region. It’s a vision that includes everyday people in addressing the most important challenge of our time.

Community-Led Carbon Markets

There are more than 80,000 family forests across the Maritimes,  and protecting these family forests could make a globally significant contribution to climate change mitigation. Community Forests International is working to make the carbon market accessible to private woodlot owners in the region to share the financial benefits of forest protection with rural communities. 


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A man with round glasses and a red hat looks up at the forest canopy.

Robinson Conservation Forest

This special 350-acre forest near Cambridge-Narrows is one of the last of its kind in New Brunswick. The Robinson family managed this beautiful forest for generations and carbon offsets have allowed us to preserve their legacy of careful stewardship for years to come. In 2021, we successfully expanded the protected forest area with an additional 140-acres of young forest that will be restored for long-term climate benefits.

Robena Weatherly stands in front of a pine tree in her forest.

Whaelghinbran Forest

Located near Fundy National Park, Whaelghinbran Forest belonged to farmers Clark Phillips and Susan Tyler. Advanced in their years, they could no longer work the land and needed to sell their property to retire. By creating carbon offsets, we were able to purchase the property and protect their cherished forest lands.


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Whaelghinbran Forest in fall colours from above.

Buchanan Forest

Buchanan Forest is a 115-acre property in Waterford, New Brunswick, about 15 kilometres from Sussex. The forest was donated to Community Forests International by Elizabeth Lucas, and it belonged to her family since 1855. The unique ecological features of the property include tolerant hardwood stands and an old spruce forest, as well as an impressive rock cliff face.


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Snow covered river leading into forest of trees with blue sky above

Ferndale Forest

Ferndale Forest is 105-acres of hardwood forest located in the steep hills of Ferndale, in southern New Brunswick. The forest was purchased by Community Forests International from the previous family forest owners. This property is home to many sugar maples — plus one of the biggest balsam firs we’ve ever seen.

Young maple tree leaves

Walker Road Forest

Located along in our hometown of Sackville, New Brunswick, this 50-acre forest is full of beautiful hardwood stands and is part of a system of beloved cross-country and hiking trails. Community Forests International purchased this property in early 2021 for long-term community and climate benefits.

Publications

Community Forests International has created a variety tools and resources related to forest carbon offset project development to ensure that rural communities and surrounding forests are well-positioned to benefit from the emerging carbon markets.

Climate Forests Position Paper

Learn about the potential of forest carbon offsets as a tool for growing rural prosperity in the Canadian Maritimes.

Common Practice Scenario

The Common Practice Scenario is an overview of historical forest conditions and forestry practices in the Wabanaki-Acadian Forest Region.

Un scenario des pratiques courante

Nous avons créés divers ressources et outils concernant le développement des projets de crédits de carbone, afin d’assurer que nos communautés rurales et nos forêts pourront bénéficier de ces marchés émergents.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I offset my personal carbon footprint with Community Forests International?

    At present, we can only sell carbon offsets to organizations and groups that meet a minimum project size. However, when you make a donation to Community Forests International, your gift supports our forest protection and restoration efforts.

  • Are your Community Forests International's offsets verified?

    Community Forests International follows strict procedures for quantifying and protecting the carbon stored in healthy forests, upholding a combination of world class verification standards; however, our projects to date have been too small to verify due to the cost associated with it. We are happy to explore the option of verification with potential partners.

  • How does Community Forests International manage forests?

    Community Forests International uses proactive forest management to improve the security of the carbon stored within our forests. Generally, this means managing the forest for greater diversity in the ages of its trees, its species mix, and in its physical structures.

  • Are there natural risks associated with forests carbon offsets?

    Unlike other forest types in Canada, the Acadian Forest benefits from a moist climate with a historically low risk of fire, making it a highly stable forest type in which to store carbon. A Forest Carbon Management Plan is developed for each forest that allows preventive management interventions that help to avoid potentially catastrophic situations.