Cherokee Forest

Project summary

In 2010, the United States had 252 Mha of natural forest, extending over 29% of its land area. In 2020, it lost 1.59 Mha of natural forest, equivalent to 683 MtCO2e.

This improved forest management project is located on 4,300 acres of mixed hardwoods, oak-hickory, cove forest, and oak-pine in northeast Tennessee. This contiguous parcel is used as a conservation and recreation-based property.

The park’s management plan and governance are designed to preserve the mountain’s forest habitat while also stimulating recreation-based tourism in an economically at-risk region.

Find out how our last audit on the ground went in this article!

Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The project plays a vital role in protecting freshwater systems in the project area, protecting the surrounding ecosystems.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The project reduces emissions through enhanced carbon sequestration relative to baseline forest management. It creates a better, more sustainable forest in the region that can support healthy wildlife and be enjoyed by recreationists for many years to come.

SDG 15: Life on Land

The Cherokee Forest project provides a sustainable and protected habitat for 40 rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species.

The result

• The project allows the forest to progress naturally with no commercial harvesting;
• Wildlife on site benefit from contiguous, undisturbed forest that hosts several different forested types throughout;
• Wildlife present on site include deer, black bear, turkeys, and many mountain bird and mammal species;
• The forests around the river act as natural water filters and purify the water for all who use it;
• Over the 20-year life of the project, it will sequester about 38,000 tCO2e annually.