Oregon’s Elliott State Research Forest, the state’s oldest, may soon join a select group of state forests across the U.S. that are managed for climate change mitigation and revenue generation through carbon credits.
Located near Coos Bay and spanning 83,000 acres, the Elliott was heavily logged for much of the 20th century to support Oregon’s schools. It transitioned to a research forest in 2022. Now, Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL) officials envision its future role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by sequestering carbon dioxide in its trees and selling these benefits as carbon credits.
On October 15, the State Land Board—comprising Governor Tina Kotek, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, and State Treasurer Tobias Read—will vote on a new management plan. This plan aims to prioritize forest and habitat health, as well as carbon capture and storage, in exchange for revenue from companies seeking to offset their emissions. Although the plan has support from state lands officials, it has sparked concerns among past collaborators like Oregon State University and the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. They worry that focusing the forest’s management on carbon storage could limit research opportunities and logging activities.
Between June 12 and August 4, more than 400 individuals provided feedback on the plan. An analysis of these comments is expected to be released in early September.
The proposed 40-year feasibility study, conducted by the carbon and crediting company Anew Climate, suggests that the Elliott State Research Forest could potentially capture and store up to 435,000 additional metric tons of carbon dioxide. This amount is equivalent to removing about 100,000 gas-powered cars from the roads for a year. Each ton of stored carbon would generate a carbon credit, which could be sold to companies aiming to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
According to Anew Climate’s study, these credits could be worth nearly $9 million on the carbon market over the next decade. The forest would also need to comply with an 80-year Habitat Conservation Plan recently submitted to federal agencies for approval to protect endangered species.
Under the proposed plan, around 25% of the forest would continue to allow intensive logging, including clear-cutting. Selective logging, considered “eco-forestry” by the DSL, would be permitted on about 13% of the forest. The rest of the forest could be thinned to enhance habitat and biodiversity but would otherwise be managed mainly for research, animal habitat, and carbon storage, rather than logging.
Brett Brownscombe, Elliott State Forest transition director at the Department of State Lands, explained, “The department and the State Land Board aim to focus more on carbon, climate, and biodiversity goals, while still allowing timber harvests. We want to explore and debate various forestry approaches to potentially influence broader forest management policies.”
Operational Details
Trees play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with mature trees being especially effective at storing carbon. The U.S. Forest Service reports that forests absorb nearly 12% of the nation’s total carbon emissions. Northwest forests, renowned for their carbon storage capabilities, are also valuable to the wood products industry.
Brett Brownscombe highlighted the productivity of these forests, noting that they are among the best for growing trees, whether for logging or carbon storage. Research by Bev Law, a forest scientist and professor emeritus at Oregon State University, indicates that allowing Douglas firs to mature to 80 years old instead of 40 could capture up to 25% more carbon dioxide. In Washington, similar studies found that older trees captured 50% more carbon dioxide and produced more lumber.
Under the proposed plan, Anew Climate would manage the surveying, accounting, and compliance with the American Carbon Registry’s rules. The state would provide annual compliance reports and undergo third-party audits every five years to ensure adherence to the management plan’s restrictions and objectives.
The state plans to participate in the voluntary carbon crediting market, where companies with emission reduction goals can buy credits. This differs from California and Washington’s state-run markets, where carbon credits are used to meet regulatory emissions targets. While Oregon has several city and county forests engaged in carbon markets, the Elliott could be the first public forest fully registered with the American Carbon Registry.
To participate in California’s market, the state would need to commit to a 100-year carbon crediting plan. Instead, the state prefers a 40-year plan, the minimum required for voluntary market participation.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite the potential benefits, key collaborators have stepped back. In November 2023, Oregon State University and the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians withdrew from active involvement with the Elliott, citing concerns about the carbon crediting plan limiting research and commercial logging opportunities.
Critics argue that carbon credit markets lack sufficient regulation and may offer only a temporary fix for emissions problems. Concerns include the potential for landowners to log or repurpose land after a contract ends and whether these markets effectively reduce the need for a transition away from fossil fuels.
Brett Brownscombe acknowledged these concerns but emphasized the evolving nature of carbon markets. “We aim to be part of this evolution, not just by observing but by actively shaping future practices.”
Looking Ahead
If approved, the Elliott State Research Forest would join a handful of U.S. state forests generating revenue from carbon credits. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has two state forests in carbon crediting projects, but no public forest is fully registered with the American Carbon Registry yet.
Oregon’s approach could serve as a model for integrating carbon crediting with forest management, balancing conservation and logging interests. “Showing that a middle ground works on a large scale like the Elliott could have significant implications,” Brownscombe said.
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