Restoration Opportunities for Delta Landowners

One tree can store 700-7000 pounds of carbon over its lifetime. © Byron Jorjorian

In light of growing concerns regarding global climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions, reforestation is being explored as a means of sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide. All plants store carbon, but trees are especially efficient due to vast quantities of carbon stored in wood. The Conservancy’s reforestation efforts, while enhancing wildlife habitat, also enhance the carbon storage capacity of these lands.

The Conservancy is an acknowledged leader in on-the-ground experience implementing forest carbon sequestration projects in the United States and internationally. With these credentials, the Conservancy demonstrates that land conservation and restoration can be a cost-effective part of the solution to climate change. The Conservancy has shown a commitment to work in the Mississippi Delta to create opportunities to store carbon on private lands and is currently exploring potential reforestation options with landowners in the southern portion of the Mississippi Delta. The goal is to develop a carbon sequestration program in which interested landowners would reforest eligible agricultural lands, thus sequestering carbon that would be purchased by the Conservancy through an easement payment. Incentives for enrollment include reforestation of enrolled lands, easement payments and regulated timber harvesting opportunities.

For any questions concerning our work in carbon sequestration, please contact Mississippi Delta Program Manager Daniel Sumerall. 

The Nature Conservancy

Delta Conservation Program

2524 South Frontage Road, Suite C

Vicksburg, MS  39180
(601) 629-6612