The Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) recently achieved the incredible milestone of 100,000 acres enrolled in our program with thanks to high-impact partnerships, iterative science and carbon accounting, tireless efforts of the AFF team, and the relentless commitment of family forest owners to caring for their lands. On this journey to 100K, we worked to improve the health and productivity of our forests and expand market access to rural landowners from all walks of life. Now we are already looking forward to the next 100k acres, and what it will take to get there.

How AFF is Expanding

With the help of partners and supporters that we have gathered on this journey, AFF is exploring innovative ideas that can continue to grow the voluntary carbon market and improve access for family landowners.

Fields and Forests

AFF’s newest program, Fields & Forests, is beginning new outreach in Georgia and Alabama, with upcoming planned expansions into more states. F&F gives new forest owners access into the voluntary carbon market by paying for tree planting and offering participants new sources of income.

Establishing Integrity

We are constantly working to improve FFCP in every aspect, ensuring the highest integrity and facilitating trust from landowners and funders alike in order to keep increasing our impact. This commitment to quality is what garners support for our projects and gives us the resources to make them happen. You can learn more about this in our newly released White Paper detailing our updated IFM practices, including our first-of-its-kind dynamic baseline methodology and permanence trust. Don’t just take our word for it, we also take the initiative to get third-party verified for extra transparency. We were recently awarded the highest rating, BBBe, of any IFM project from ratings agency BeZero.

Breaking Barriers for Smaller Landowners

FFCP is unique in the way that we provide program opportunities for small landowners with 30+ acres while similar projects require thousands of acres to qualify. However, we did not want to stop there. We know that by decreasing our acreage terms we can reach even more landowners. This is why we created our Extra Small Landowner Pilot, for landowners with 15-29 acres. This opportunity is specifically available to landowners who are low-income, BIPOC, veterans, or living in a high poverty community. It is currently open in 10 states, with the intention of expanding to 6 more. This pilot gives us the ability to reach historically underserved and underrepresented communities in the Northwest United States.

Another pilot program we have begun is the Heirs Property Pilot. Heirs Property is family-owned land that has been passed through descendants without any clear will or deed to prove ownership. Without this proof it can become difficult for these landowners to obtain federal benefits. In partnership with McClendon Law and Consulting, AFF will use this pilot to provide funding and legal services for underserved landowners to obtain a clear title for prospective enrollees and provide estate planning support for current enrollees. This makes it possible for these landowners to participate in programs like FFCP, keeping their land healthy and protected for future generations.

How You Can Help

You can help us continue to expand the Family Forest Carbon Program's impact for the planet and America's family forest owners. We are so grateful for your financial support and welcome your support during this season of giving. If you are looking for additional ways to make a difference, here are some great opportunities to give back:

Increase Your Knowledge

We have a variety of expertise to share, from science updates to best forestry practices, first-hand accounts from landowners on the ground and updates from Capitol Hill. You can start by reading the current issue of our quarterly magazine, Woodland, online here. When you give at least $35 annually to AFF, we send you beautiful, quarterly editions of Woodland magazine to your home so you can share with friends & family and read about all of the programs you are supporting.

Share our News with your Neighbors

You might be surprised to find that you already know family forest owners, and they can take advantage of our program to get a management plan, financial assistance and more. Check out the basics of FFCP and how you can get involved.

Advocate for Conservation

Sign up for our Policy Newsletters and learn how and when to contact your local representatives to advocate for the Farm Bill and other legislation that provides direct support to landowners across the country. Choose the newsletter that fits your interests - Protecting Habitat, Sustainable Timber, Supporting Rural Economies and more.

Partner With Us

We love collaborating with communities. Does your company have a matching gift program that can double your impact? Is your business looking for a way to support forest management for natural resources? Would you like to host an event to help build awareness? We're open to your ideas - contact us directly to start a conversation.

We are so thankful to all the partners, funders, and supporters that helped us reach our first 100,000 acre goal. We know the best way to honor your efforts is to continue working until we reach all 39% of U.S. family forest owners. Through innovative science, new ideas, improved policy, and your continued support, we know that we can do it.