News Summary
NativState, in partnership with TotalEnergies, has initiated a sustainable forest carbon credit program in Louisiana and Mississippi. The ACR 848 Bottomland Forests of Louisiana Plains project has verified over 400,000 carbon credits, targeting over 20,000 acres of forestland. This long-term project, backed by 19 families, will both enhance biodiversity and provide income opportunities for landowners through responsible management practices. TotalEnergies’ involvement further expands the initiative to encompass 247,000 acres across four states, highlighting a strategic commitment to environmental sustainability.
Louisiana – NativState, an Arkansas-based forest carbon developer, has initiated a significant environmental project in Louisiana and Mississippi, partnering with TotalEnergies to create a sustainable forest carbon credit program. This program is rooted in NativState’s ACR 848 Bottomland Forests of Louisiana Plains project, which has successfully verified over 400,000 carbon credits, marking its first verified initiative within these two states.
The ACR 848 project encompasses around 20,000 acres of meticulously managed forestland located in northeastern Louisiana and western Mississippi. Throughout its anticipated 40-year lifespan, this project is expected to generate more than 2 million carbon credits, significantly contributing to emissions reduction efforts. A strategic collaboration involves 19 families committed to responsible forest management and ongoing stewardship of these lands.
The carbon credits generated from ACR 848 are structured to comply with the American Carbon Registry’s Improved Forest Management (IFM) methodology, ensuring they meet rigorous verification standards. Already, a notable portion of these credits has been sold to strategic partners, while remaining credits are available for organizations eager to invest in emissions reductions.
This bottomland forest initiative serves multiple ecological functions, including filtering agricultural runoff, mitigating downstream flooding, and providing critical habitats for diverse wildlife species. Key species in the region include alligators, black bears, and migratory birds crucial to the Mississippi Flyway, collectively supporting the area’s biodiversity.
NativState’s approach is distinctive in that it aggregates small and medium-sized timber properties to create economies of scale for landowners. Participants in the program receive tailored Forest and Wildlife Management Plans developed by registered foresters and biologists, promoting sustainable management practices. These practices allow landowners to harvest timber while simultaneously working to reduce overall carbon emissions. As a result, landowners can earn credit royalties, creating a unique income opportunity while continuing traditional land-use practices.
In a notable expansion of its commitments, TotalEnergies has entered into an agreement with NativState to enroll in 13 long-term forest management plans across a total of 247,000 acres in Louisiana and three additional states. TotalEnergies has outlined a strategy to cut or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and plans to invest an impressive $100 million annually in carbon credit-generating projects by 2030.
The collaboration with TotalEnergies also involves over 280 landowners spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tennessee. By partnering with a reputable company, NativState aims to enhance financial viability for these landowners while making meaningful contributions to environmental goals.
This deal with TotalEnergies represents NativState’s fourth large carbon credit agreement, aligning with the company’s broader vision of providing new income streams for small landowners engaged in sustainable forestry practices. In total, NativState now manages over 450,000 acres of conserved forestland, which is instrumental in promoting biodiversity and improving water quality.
To maintain integrity and permanence in their carbon credit offerings, all credits generated through these projects undergo verification by third-party audits. This ensures that the projects deliver reliable outcomes and meet the growing demand for carbon credits. Interest in partnerships with NativState has surged internationally, indicating a robust global interest in sustainable environmental solutions and carbon credit transactions.
Stuart Allen, founder and CEO of NativState, has emphasized the dual focus of their initiatives: creating both environmental and financial benefits for landowners and surrounding ecosystems. As more stakeholders engage with initiatives like ACR 848, the partnership between NativState and TotalEnergies illustrates a forward-thinking approach to balancing economic development with crucial climate goals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Carbon Herald: NativState Releases First 400,000 Carbon Credits
- The Advocate: Louisiana Carbon Credits
- Louisiana Illuminator: Southeastern Sidelines Scientist
- PR Newswire: NativState Completes Verification and Sale of Carbon Credits
- Gas Compression Magazine: Louisiana Carbon Dioxide Facility Operations
- Wikipedia: Carbon Credit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sustainable Development
- Google Search: Carbon Credits Louisiana
- Google Scholar: Carbon Accounting
- Google News: Louisiana Carbon Projects
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NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
