FAQs

Starting in 2026 eligible landowners can enroll all or just a portion of their forested lands (above 500 acres). Forest management practices on non-enrolled lands are subject to certain restrictions to ensure that they are not managed unsustainably.

You must be current on your property taxes and control your timber rights. Commercial harvesting must be legally permitted on the property, though it cannot be legally mandated to a degree that conflicts with our program requirements.

Landowners who have previously participated in a harvest deferral program or another carbon program may or may not be eligible depending on the specifics. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Prior harvesting doesn’t automatically disqualify you. What matters is whether your forestland meets the current eligibility criteria and whether your management approach can be aligned with our program requirements going forward.

Our program encourages climate-smart forestry to promote a multi-aged, structurally diverse forest by supporting a forest ecosystem resilient to changing conditions. This includes silvicultural practices that increase carbon storage and sequestration, mitigate climate change and improve wildlife habitat, watershed security, and biodiversity levels.

Practices include extending rotation lengths, single-tree and group selection, variable density thinnings, and forest health-focused treatments. Please visit our Forestry Resources page for more information about harvest guidelines.

We partner with leading voluntary carbon market registries known for rigorous verification standards. These registries help ensure every projects meet requirements for quality, permanence, and additionality, key factors that shape the real climate impact of a carbon credit and our ability to sell credits in the market.

Non-commercial harvests are defined as a harvest which does not produce merchantable material to cover the cost of harvest operations. Examples frequently include pre-commercial thinning, sanitation and salvage, and timber stand improvement treatments. It is required to provide 3 months advance notice to FCW prior to any non-commercial harvest.

No. You are never required to harvest. That said, the right kinds of selective harvesting can maintain your forest’s health and its ability to effectively sequester carbon over time. Our foresters can help you think through what makes sense for your land.

Commercial harvests are defined as any type of harvest producing merchantable material at least equal to the value of the direct costs of harvesting. Notice in writing to FCW requires a minimum of 6 months in advance of any commercial harvest. Written approval is required prior to commencing a commercial harvest. Forest certification is required for commercial harvests. FCW supports Forest Stewardship Council Certification for most landowners, including FMP assistance and audit services.

Harvest allowances depend on the size of the enrolled forestland. Properties with less than 5,000 acres may harvest up to 30% of annual growth each year, and in one year of each five‑year cycle they may harvest up to 50% of annual growth. Properties greater than 5,000 acres require customized harvest allowances.

Two restrictions apply to forested areas of the property: planting non-native tree species is not allowed within the forest, and broadcast fertilization is not permitted. Ornamental plantings around cabins or structures are not affected.

Any forested land you purchase after enrollment is not automatically required to be included in your membership. However, if you plan to commercially harvest that land, a sustainable forest management plan must be in place. You also have the option to enroll additional acreage under a separate contract.

The terms of membership are attached to the land, not the landowner. If the property is sold or changes ownership, the new owner is required to either continue the membership or pay a fee to terminate it.

If a natural disaster destroys trees on your property, we treat this as an unintentional reversal. You are not penalized for carbon losses caused by events outside your control. You must notify Forest Carbon Works promptly so we can determine appropriate next steps. Annual payments may be affected if the loss is substantial.