Is FFCP Right For You? Part 1: You Want to Work with People You Trust
This blog post is part of a four-part series called, “Is the Family Forest Carbon Program Right for You?” Scroll to the bottom of this article for links to the others in this series.
In this post, we want to introduce you to the people and organization behind FFCP. But first, a quick look at how the program works.
How does FFCP Work?
The Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) is designed to give landowners with 30 acres or more access to the voluntary carbon market, a growing market where carbon credits are exchanged. FFCP launched in 2020 and is currently operating in 20 states nation-wide.
We pay landowners to implement sustainable forest management practices that we have designed specifically for their region to improve forest health and store more carbon than typical forestry practices.
In addition to predictable annual payments, we also connect you with a local forester who will help you write a forest management plan or update your existing plan if you have one. We pride ourselves on putting the landowner first by allowing flexibility around who you work with and how you manage your forest.
Throughout the 20-year term you maintain your ownership, access, and privacy. Entering into a forest carbon program means leasing just the rights to your carbon to the program—not the rights to your land or timber.
Click here to check your eligibility for FFCP online today.
Who is Behind FFCP?
The Family Forest Carbon Program is run by the American Forest Foundation (AFF), a trusted nonprofit in forest conservation since 1932. In 2020, we partnered with the Nature Conservancy to launch FFCP, with the goal of giving small, private forest landowners access to the voluntary carbon market.
The day-to-day operations of the program are run by AFF, and our team is made up of experts in forestry, environmental science and biology, finance, customer service, and fundraising, to name a few areas.
Being run by a nonprofit is important because unlike other forest carbon programs, we don’t have investors or shareholders seeking a return from the revenue generated by FFCP. This means that any profit above and beyond what it takes to operate the program goes toward achieving our mission—or is “put back into the forest” as we like to say.
Meet Our Forestry Team
While many folks across the organization have backgrounds in forestry and conservation, our team of Outreach Foresters are our “boots on the ground”—meeting with landowners on their properties, reviewing and writing forest management plans, and helping you build an FFCP “project”, which just means mapping out which of your forested acres will be enrolled.
The resounding feedback we hear from landowners about our foresters is that they are so impressed by both their knowledge and their commitment to customer service. Time and time again we get reports of foresters going above and beyond for our landowners.
“Sarah made me feel like I was truly part of the family. She provided invaluable guidance and reassurance on the forest management strategy I was pursuing, while also offering important context and thoughtful recommendations for refining my goals. Without her support, I fear I would have continued making mistakes that could have permanently disrupted the health and future of my forest."
— Louise, Pennsylvania Landowner
In counties where we don’t have a staff forester, we rely on FFCP-approved consulting foresters to support landowner enrollment. Already working with a forester you trust? We’d love to have them join our growing community of FFCP-approved consulting foresters and assist you in evaluating the program.
Our commitment to putting the landowner first extends beyond our forestry team. Every time you connect with us, you’ll talk to a real person; and everyone you speak to along the journey to enrollment is committed to ensuring FFCP is a good fit for you and your family. Which leads us to our final point—we’re here as your long-term partners in forest stewardship.
Partnering With You Long-Term
Understanding Your Goals for the Land
When you speak to us about the program, there’s no pressure to enroll. We’re here to provide you with everything you need to make an informed decision, including connecting you with free legal counsel if you’d like. Every landowner and every piece of land is unique, and we want to make sure your decision makes sense for both you and your woods for the next 20 years and beyond. We know that this program may not be a perfect fit for everyone, but we encourage you to check your eligibility and have an initial, no-obligation call with our team to get all the information you need and ask whatever questions are on your mind.
Joining Our Community
Once enrolled in FFCP, we have a team of Community Managers dedicated to checking in with you throughout your enrollment. They can provide you with additional resources, educational opportunities, and ways to connect with like-minded landowners and forestry professionals.
That’s us! We hope you feel a little more connected to the people behind our program. Click here to check your eligibility for FFCP online today.
Check out the other posts in this series:
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September 9, 2026
Is FFCP Right For You? Part 2: You Need Forestry Guidance
Landowners often want to do what’s best for their land, but may not have the expertise, or resources to take action. In this article, we’ll explore how the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) provides the technical support you need to care for your woodland—with a long-term plan to help you avoid overwhelm and stay on track.
September 9, 2026
Is FFCP Right For You? Part 3: You're Concerned About Greenwashing
This idea of “greenwashing’ is a real concern, and one we share as individuals who care deeply about the earth and America’s forests. In this article we’ll look at how we know we are selling real, high-quality, verified carbon credits and how carbon markets—while not a perfect solution to climate change—allow us to do more with fewer resources.
September 9, 2026
Is FFCP Right For You? Part 4: You Want to Know You're Getting a Good Deal
We know that money probably isn't the top priority when it comes to your forest, but it’s still important. If you’re like most landowners, you want to know that whatever you implement is going to be financially possible for you and your family, and that you’re not making an outright poor financial decision. In this article we’ll look at how the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) is designed to protect you from market risk while increasing the long-term value of your forest.