Forest Project Protocol
The Forest Project Protocol provides guidance to calculate, report, and verify GHG emission reductions associated with reforestation, improved forest management, and avoided conversion projects. Version 3.0 of the protocol was adopted by the Reserve Board in September 2009 and minor revisions were made in October 2009 and August 2010. The Forest Project Protocol Version 3.2 is available for public use and is applicable across the United States.
- Forest Project Protocol Version 3.2 (August 31, 2010)
- Project Implementation Agreement (May 9, 2011)
- Guidelines for Aggregating Forest Projects (August 31, 2010)
- Announcement Regarding Optional Carbon Pools (March 4, 2011)
Protocol Resources
- Biomass Equations (for computing forest carbon)
- Assessment Area Data (for calibrating protocol guidance to your project area)
- Forest Project Forms (Calculation Worksheet, Monitoring Report, Request for Project Guidance, Request for Verification Guidance)
Protocol Baseline Determination
The Reserve has released final clarifications and amendments to the protocol concerning forest project baseline determination and California’s Forest Practice Rules. Please click the link below for more information on these amendments and to review public comments and staff responses to public comments.
Protocol Aggregation Guidelines
The Reserve has released final guidelines for aggregating forest projects, under which smaller forest projects may be “aggregated.” Please click the link below for more information on the guidelines and to review public comments and staff responses to public comments.
Protocol White Papers
The Reserve has commissioned the development of white papers that will address topics relating to carbon accounting of optional pools and criteria for sustainable forest management and natural forest management. The white paper public comment period closed on March 25, 2011. All public comments received and staff responses to comments with soon be available online. Please click the link below for more detail.
Protocol Development & Previous Versions
Use the links below to access information about the original protocol development process and previous versions of the Forest Protocol. Errata and clarifications, public comments, staff responses to public comments, workgroup participants, and other supporting documents can also be found here.
Click a version of the protocol below to access more information:
- Version 3.2 (August 31, 2010)
- Version 3.1 (October 22, 2009)
- Version 3.0 (September 1, 2009)
- Version 2.1 (September 6, 2007)
- Version 1.0 (June 13, 2005)
Please contact Policy Team with questions or comments.