PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • July 14, 2020
Maine’s forests accumulate more carbon than they release. The annual accumulation is equal to about 60 percent of Maine’s annual fossil fuel emissions. Maine could develop a forest carbon storage program. Landowners who commit to manage their woodlots to promote carbon sequestration for decades – such as 25 to 30 years – would receive payments. There are national carbon markets where landowners can sell carbon credits and receive payments for long-term forest management that sequesters carbon. However, these programs are complex and expensive and not typically available for small forestland owners. Why not create a Maine program for small forestland owners? ~ Karin R. Tilberg, Forest Society of Maine, and a member of the Maine Climate Council’s Natural & Working Lands Group