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Garcia River Forest in California

The Conservation Fund’s Garcia River Forest

This project focuses on the sustainable management and restoration of Garcia River Forest in Northern California. By promoting selective timber harvesting, the project benefits the local economy while conserving massive Redwood trees which store substantial amounts of carbon.

Where & Why

Redwood forests store more carbon per acre than any other type of forest on the planet. As a result, it is incredibly important that we protect these vital ecosystems.  

The 23,780-acre Garcia River Forest is located in the heart of Northern California’s Redwood region. Decades of timber harvesting by the logging industry have severely depleted the region’s natural resources. What was once a flourishing habitat for threatened species such as northern spotted owls and Coho salmon is now a fragile ecosystem. In addition to the environmental damage caused by deforestation, soil erosion from old logging roads fills streams with sediment. As the forest becomes less productive, jobs are lost and the local economy suffers. 

How & Who

This project promotes the sustainable management and restoration of Garcia River Forest, which is owned and managed by The Conservation Fund. By encouraging selective timber harvesting, the project ensures logging continues to benefit the local economy without jeopardizing the fertility of this critical habitat. In addition to conserving wooded areas, the project’s restoration activities will help improve water quality and rehabilitate aquatic habitats.

The sustainable logging method being used in Garcia River Forest allows the remaining trees to grow bigger at a faster rate. This allows them to store more carbon – good news for our planet and climate! As a result of this project, 77,000 tons of carbon emissions are absorbed and stored by the forest annually. And by increasing ecosystem productivity the project also supports local jobs and enhances recreational opportunities for current and future generations. 

Environmental Benefits

  • Protects 23,780 acres of forest and 53 miles of streams
  • Mitigates climate change by storing carbon
  • Restores forest and aquatic wildlife habitat
  • Improves water quality of rivers and streams

Community Benefits

  • Contributes to the local economy and supports 206 jobs 
  • Offers new recreational activities
Project Type

Forests

Location
Annual CO2 Reduction

77,000 metric tons CO2e

SDGs Supported
Verification Standard
Project Developers

The Conservation Fund

Project Documents

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