McCloud Forest Management Project

Project Summary.

The McCloud River Conservation-Based Forest Management Project is located 20 miles southeast of Mount Shasta in Northern California. Through conservation-based management of commercial timberlands, this project generates a return on investment to landowners.

Sustainable forest management increases the total carbon stores and timber stocking on the site over time. Co-benefits such as protection of local water quality and habitat protection for sensitive species are achieved while timber is sustainably extracted to support the local economy.

This project covers approximately 9,000 acres and comprises the largest working conservation easement west of the Rockies. It ensures that 15 square miles of forest and 8 miles of the famous McCloud River will be forested and productive in perpetuity.

Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and san

Conservation-based forestry management plays a vital role in protecting freshwater systems like the McCloud River. The forests around the river act as natural water filters and purify the water for all who use it. Protecting the forest protects water-based ecosystems by reducing pollution, erosion, and increasing nutrients.

SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

The McCloud River project produces emission reductions through enhanced sequestration relative to baseline forest management. The McCloud project helps create a better, more sustainable forest around Mount Shasta. The project reduces an estimated 50,000 metric tons of CO2e per year.

SDG 15: Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ec

The project provides a sustainable and protected habitat for rare, threatened, and endangered species such as the Northern Spotted Owl, Bald Eagle, Roosevelt Elk, and Black Bear. The project also connects to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, providing critical habitat corridors for many species.

The result

• 2,980,475 tCO2e will be avoided from being emitted with the protection program.
• 20,159 acres are protected with the implementation of the project.
• 8,000 acres of the project property is old-growth forest.
• The area also includes around 12 fish-bearing streams.
• The project area is preserved for the benefit of the native people who have occupied it for over 1,000 years.