Carbon in the Sierra Nevada

The Sierra Nevada possesses some of the world’s most productive carbon sequestering lands…

Conversion of land from forests to rural residential is occurring at an alarming pace- within thirty years, one-third of all Sierra Nevada forestlands will have been developed. 

By supporting the Sierra Nevada Carbon Cooperative, you can donate to the development of projects which slow the rate of development by providing landowners with the revenue necessary to conserve, restore, and maintain Sierra Nevada their forest lands, in perpetuity.

Water originating in the Sierra Nevada supplies roughly 60 percent of California’s fresh water; much of which is used to propel the Central Valley’s agricultural economy...

Sacramento County farmers and ranchers produce approximately 75 different  commodities with a total crop value of over $325 million...  Precipitation in the form of snow, rather than rainfall, increases water availability originating from the Sierra Nevada by delaying water flows downstream into spring and summer months, when water for agriculture is needed most.  Snowmelt has decreased more than 80 percent in some areas of the Sierra Nevada, due to global warming. 

By placing a value on ecosystem services and understanding the importance of carbon sequestration in our forests, we can work together to manage forests in order to increase retention of snow pack, while simultaneously creating more resilient forests that can better mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.

The latest survey of the Sierra Nevada found only about a million acres of old growth forest remaining, or about one-sixth of its pre-Gold Rush total…

Past management practices of harvesting the larger, more valuable trees combined with a policy of fire suppression has forced federal land managers to reduce timber harvest activities to protect sensitive species.  A decline in timber output from public lands has resulted in an increase in production from private lands, due to heavy reliance by Sierra Nevada economies on the timber market. 

Forest carbon projects through the SNCC provide a new source of revenue from forest lands in the Sierra Nevada.  Improved forest management projects focus on requiring activities that promote natural and native species biodiversity, while also providing important wildlife habitat, water course buffers and sustainably harvested wood products.

Several well-known natural features and recreational activities in the Sierra Nevada account for more than 50 million visitor days per year…

The recreation industry is the largest employer in the region.  While the regional economy depends greatly on the income resulting from this industry, this means millions of visitors are commuting to the region, often from great distances.  Conserving and restoring Sierra forests will maintain and enhance the region’s identity as a place of natural beauty and open space, drawing increased tourism to the area to support this enormous part of the Sierra economy. 

By supporting forest carbon offset projects which enhance the ability of our forests to sequester and store atmospheric carbon long-term, visitors and Sierra residents alike can also do their part to offset emissions they emit.  Forest projects will help maintain the ecological integrity of the Sierra Nevada, and allow forests to continue to provide these ecosystem services, bringing a wealth of environmental benefits to the region.