Version 5.1
The Reserve reincorporated reforestation as a project type in the U.S. Forest Protocol (FP), alongside several program revisions and the integration of a previously issued erratum to version 5.0. The scope of the update was limited to program revisions that are editorial or technical in nature and, as such, typically would not be published for public review. However, owing to the re-insertion of reforestation as a project type under the protocol, the Reserve is providing an opportunity for public comment as a courtesy even though the reforestation provisions were previously available for public review when version 4.0 of the FP was developed. Components related to eligibility or other significant policies within the FP are otherwise not being considered as a part of this update.
The draft protocol underwent a 30-day public comment period that ended on Friday, March 3, 2023.
- U.S. Forest Protocol Version 5.1 – Draft for Public Comment (February 1, 2023)
- U.S. Forest Protocol Version 5.1 – Redline from Version 5.0 to Version 5.1 (February 1, 2023)
Version 5.0
Document/Tool | Description |
U.S. Forest Protocol Version 5.0
(October 16, 2019) |
The revision from U.S. Forest Protocol Version 4.0 to 5.0 involved the addition of a standardized baseline option for Improved Forest Management (IFM) projects, a revised minimum verification schedule, inclusion of the Quantification Guidance as an appendix, and several other updates to enhance usability. |
U.S. Forest Protocol V5.0 Summary U.S. Forest Protocol V5.0 Summary for Landowners |
This document is a one-page summary of the U.S. Forest Protocol Version 5.0 project eligibility requirements including project start date, additionality, and environmental safeguards. |
Summary of Changes from V4.0 to V5.0 | This document summarizes the significant revisions from FP Version 4.0 to Version 5.0. |
Version 5.0 Second Public Comment Period
The second public comment period was held from June 5, 2019 to July 12, 2019. See below for the summary of comments and responses from Reserve staff, as well as the submitted comments in their entirety.
Bluesource | Finite Carbon |
California Forest Carbon Coalition | GHG Engineering |
Chugach Alaska Corporation; Ahtna, Inc.; Sealaska Corporation | The Climate Trust |
Version 5.0 First Public Comment Period
The first public comment period was held from November 1, 2018 to December 14, 2018. See below for the summary of comments and responses from Reserve staff, as well as the submitted comments in their entirety.
Barbara Haya | New Forests |
Bluesource | The Climate Trust |
California Forest Carbon Coalition (CFCC) | The Conservation Fund |
Christopher Galik | William Stewart |
Version 5.0 First Public Comment Period Workshop
The Reserve hosted a public webinar on November 14, 2018 to discuss the proposed changes to the protocol and quantification guidance and solicit public comment. The presentation slides and meeting video are available below.
Version 4.0
Document/Tool | Description |
U.S. Forest Protocol Version 4.0
(June 28, 2017) |
The revision from U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.3 to 4.0 involved eligible location expansion to Hawaii and U.S. territories, a new public lands baseline methodology for improved forest management projects, replacement of the Logical Management Unit approach with project area requirements for managing selection bias, incorporation of the Reserve’s standardized inventory methodology and inventory tool, and several other updates to enhance usability. |
Errata and Clarifications for U.S. Forest Protocol Version 4.0
(May 14, 2018) |
Erratum issued to correct a baseline equation. |
U.S. Forest Protocol Summary | This document is a one-page summary of the U.S. Forest Protocol Version 4.0 project eligibility requirements including project start date, additionality, and environmental safeguards. |
Summary of Changes from V3.3 to V4.0 | This document summarizes the significant revisions from FP Version 3.3 to Version 4.0. |
Quantification Guidance
(June 28, 2017) |
This document provides guidance for quantifying a Forest Project’s onsite carbon stocks and carbon in harvested wood products, both for purposes of estimating a project’s baseline as well as providing ongoing estimates of onsite project carbon stocks throughout the project life. |
Standardized Inventory Methodology
(June 13, 2018) |
A pre-verified inventory methodology available for optional use for Forest Projects. Use of the Standardized Inventory Methodology (SIM) and the options it contains will streamline the verification process by allowing verifiers to focus more on proper and accurate implementation rather than on the overall soundness of the methodology and conformance to the U.S. Forest Protocol. |
Standardized Inventory Methodology – Appendix B
(June 13, 2018) |
Excel file containing a table listing the alphabetic species codes from the USDA PLANTS database recommended for recording tree species as a part of field sampling under the SIM. Also listed are the scientific name, common name, and USFS FIA species code associated with each USDA PLANTS code. USDA PLANTS and USFS FIA codes are both compatible with CARIT (upcoming release). |
Standardized Inventory Methodology – Appendix D
(June 13, 2018) |
Excel file of a sample plot card containing the minimum data fields required for plot data collected for inventories sampled under the SIM. The form may be used as is or may serve as a template to which additional fields may be added to suit the management needs of Project Operators. |
Version 4.0 Public Comment Period
California State Parks | Pacific Forest Trust |
New Forests | The Conservation Fund |
Version 4.0 Public Comment Workshop
The Reserve hosted a webinar on April 27, 2017 to discuss the proposed changes to the protocol and quantification guidance and solicit public comment. The meeting recording and presentation slides are available below.
Presentation Slides
Meeting Video
Version 3.3
Document/Tool | Description |
U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.3 (November 15, 2012) | The revision from U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.2 to 3.3 involved minor editorial changes and clarifications as well as improved guidance based on recommendations from the soil carbon, lying dead wood, and sustainable forestry certification white papers and stakeholder comment process. |
U.S. Forest Protocol Summary | This document is a one-page summary of the U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.3 project eligibility requirements including project start date, additionality, and environmental safeguards. |
Summary of Changes from V3.2 to V3.3 | This document summarizes the significant revisions from FP Version 3.2 to Version 3.3. |
Quantification Guidance (January 21, 2014) | This document provides guidance for quantifying a Forest Project’s onsite carbon stocks and carbon in harvested wood products, both for purposes of estimating a project’s baseline as well as providing ongoing estimates of onsite project carbon stocks throughout the project life. |
Version 3.3 Public Comment Period
Version 3.3 Public Comment Workshop
The Reserve hosted a workshop in San Francisco on July 13, 2012 to discuss the proposed changes to the FP Version 3.3 as well as the Federal Lands White Paper. The Reserve will use feedback from the workshop along with written comments received during the public comment period to inform decisions about the protocol revisions. The meeting video is available below.
Version 3.3 References
Methodology for using the Forest Soil Carbon Loss Lookup Table by Alex Gershenson, PhD
Verification of Forest Carbon Project Plots Using Sequential Statistical Methods by Tim Robards, PhD
Differences Between Standing and Downed Dead Tree Wood Density Reduction Factors: A Comparison Across Decay Classes and Tree Species by Mark E. Harmon, PhD
Version 3.2
- ARB Compliance Offset Protocol for U.S. Forest Projects
- Comparison of Reserve U.S. Forest Protocol to ARB Compliance Offset Protocol for Forest Projects
Document/Tool | Description |
U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.2 (August 31, 2010) |
The revision from U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.1 to 3.2 involved minor editorial changes and clarifications as well as improved guidance for baseline determination (improved forest management projects) and new guidance for aggregating forest projects. |
Errata and Clarifications to U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.2 (October 29, 2014) | Project developers and verifiers must refer to this document to ensure that the most current guidance is adhered to in project design and verification. |
U.S. Forest Protocol Summary | This document is a one-page summary of the U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.2 project eligibility requirements including project start date, additionality, and environmental safeguards. |
Announcement Regarding Optional Carbon Pools (March 4, 2011) |
A memo to all project developers and verification bodies regarding the disallowance of crediting optional carbon pools unless and until standardized guidance can be developed to quantify the optional pools. *Note: As of July 3, 2012, standardized guidance has been provided for soil carbon accounting, as described below. |
Supplemental Guidance for Soil Carbon Accounting in Avoided Conversion Projects (July 3, 2012) |
Supplemental guidance which enables the inclusion of soil carbon in certain Avoided Conversion projects. |
Supplemental Verification Methodology – Sequential Sampling (July 3, 2012) |
Supplemental guidance required for the verification of soil carbon estimates (if included) in Avoided Conversion projects. The verification method may be applied to other sampled carbon pools. |
Summary of Changes from Version 3.1 to 3.2
- Changed and clarified the requirements for establishing a baseline for improved forest management (IFM) projects. These changes address legal agreements and project area selection. To review more detail about the baseline changes, see the Forest Project Baseline Determination webpage
- Edited and incorporated the forest verification protocol, which was formerly a standalone document, into the U.S. Forest Protocol itself (Section 10)
- Added further guidance on how to determine a common practice value for IFM projects
- Removed the “Appendix F” data table and created an “Assessment Area Data File” which is regularly updated on the Reserve’s website
- Changed requirements so that projects can span multiple FIA assessment areas
- Clarified requirements for submission of attestation forms and regulatory compliance
- Edited and clarified reporting requirements
- Clarified requirements and guidance related to the reporting and verification cycle for projects
- Corrected calculation methods for leakage and harvested wood products so that projects that increase harvesting levels are not unfairly penalized
Guidelines for aggregating forest projects are available on the main U.S. Forest Protocol webpage.
Version 3.1
Document/Tool | Description |
U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.1 (October 22, 2009) |
The U.S. Forest Protocol revision from Version 3.0 to 3.1 involved minor editorial changes and clarifications to calculation methodologies and terminology; the update did not affect eligibility criteria for forest projects. For further details see the U.S. Forest Protocol Summary of Changes from Version 3.0 to 3.1 |
Errata and Clarification to U.S. Forest Protocol, Version 3.1 (October 29, 2014) |
Project developers and verifiers must refer to this document to ensure that the most current guidance is adhered to in project design and verification. |
U.S. Forest Protocol Summary | A one-page summary of the protocol requirements. |
U.S. Forest Protocol Summary of Changes from Version 3.0 to 3.1 | |
U.S. Forest Project Verification Protocol Version 3.0 (September 1, 2009) |
A guidance document for verifying Version 3.1 projects. |
Forest Project Baseline Determination (Spring 2010) |
The Reserve released clarifications and amendments to the protocol concerning forest project baseline determinations and California’s Forest Practice Rules. The link provides more information on these amendments as well as public comments and staff responses to public comments. |
Announcement Regarding Optional Carbon Pools (March 4, 2011) |
A memo to all project developers and verification bodies regarding the disallowance of crediting optional carbon pools unless and until standardized guidance can be developed to quantify the optional pools.
*Note: As of July 3, 2012, standardized guidance has been provided for soil carbon accounting, as described below. |
Supplemental Guidance for Soil Carbon Accounting in Avoided Conversion Projects (July 3, 2012) |
Supplemental guidance which enables the inclusion of soil carbon in certain Avoided Conversion projects. |
Supplemental Verification Methodology – Sequential Sampling (July 3, 2012) |
Supplemental guidance required for the verification of soil carbon estimates (if included) in Avoided Conversion projects. The verification method may be applied to other sampled carbon pools. |
Version 3.0
Document/Tool | Description | ||
U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 (September 1, 2009) |
Version 3.0 was a significant revision from Version 2.1 that involved a two-year process with extensive stakeholder and public participation. The details of the development process are described below. | ||
Errata and Clarifications to U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 (October 29, 2014) | Project developers and verifiers must refer to this document to ensure that the most current guidance is adhered to in project design and verification. | ||
U.S. Forest Project Verification Protocol Version 3.0 (September 1, 2009) |
A guidance document for verifying projects under Version 3.0. | ||
Announcement Regarding Optional Carbon Pools (March 4, 2011) |
A memo to all project developers and verification bodies regarding the disallowance of crediting optional carbon pools unless and until standardized guidance can be developed to quantify the optional pools.
*Note: As of July 3, 2012, standardized guidance has been provided for soil carbon accounting, as described below. |
||
Supplemental Guidance for Soil Carbon Accounting in Avoided Conversion Projects (July 3, 2012) |
Supplemental guidance which enables the inclusion of soil carbon in certain Avoided Conversion projects. | ||
Supplemental Verification Methodology – Sequential Sampling (July 3, 2012) |
Supplemental guidance required for the verification of soil carbon estimates (if included) in Avoided Conversion projects. The verification method may be applied to other sampled carbon pools. | ||
Version 3.0 Protocol Development in 2009
A draft of the U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 was released for public comment in April 2009, incorporating several changes to the protocol draft released in December 2008. A workgroup draft of the protocol, which incorporated public and workgroup comments since April, was released in August 2009, followed by a public workshop to discuss the draft protocol. A final version of the protocol was presented to the Reserve Board for adoption in September 2009.
Version 3.0 Public Workshop
The Reserve hosted a public workshop in Sacramento on August 17, 2009 to discuss revisions to the draft protocol and to solicit further public feedback. See the presentation slides below.
- Reserve Presentation (August 2009)
Version 3.0 Workgroup Draft Protocol
A new draft of the protocol was developed based on public stakeholder and workgroup comments and recommendations. See the draft below as well as a red-line draft of the protocol revisions.
- U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 Workgroup Draft (August 4, 2009)
- U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 Workgroup Draft with Edits (August 4, 2009)
Version 3.0 Project Implementation Agreement Public Comments
Public comments were submitted on the draft Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) in June 2009. The majority of the public comments reference the first version of the draft PIA and draft Consequences for Reversals and Early Termination (June 2, 2009). The staff responses to the public comments reference the updated draft of the PIA (June 5, 2009).
- Draft Project Implementation Agreement for U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 (June 5, 2009)
- Draft Project Implementation Agreement for U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 (June 2, 2009)
- Consequences for Reversals and Early Termination, Draft PIA (June 2, 2009)
- Summary of Comments and Responses on the Draft PIA (August 4, 2009)
Version 3.0 Public Comments
Public comments were submitted on the draft U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 in April and May of 2009. See the draft protocol, staff responses to public comments, and public comments below.
- Final Draft U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 (April 15, 2009)
- Summary of Comments and Responses on the Draft U.S. Forest Protocol (August 4, 2009)
Version 3.0 Wood Products Public Comments
Public comments were submitted on the draft wood products guidance in February 2009. See the draft guidance, staff responses to public comments, and public comments below.
- Draft Wood Products Guidance for U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 (February 3, 2009)
- Summary of Comments and Responses on the Draft U.S. Forest Project Reporting Protocol – Wood Products (March 10, 2009)
American Forest & Paper Association | Equator LLC |
The Pacific Forest Trust | Terry Collins |
The Wilderness Society | Solid Waste Industry for Climate Solutions |
California Biomass Energy Alliance |
Version 3.0 Public Workshop
A public workshop was hosted to discuss the draft U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 on February 3, 2009. See the agenda and presentation slides below.
Version 3.0 Protocol Development in 2008
Since the adoption of the U.S. Forest Protocol Version 2.1 in September 2007, the Reserve worked closely with stakeholders, forest experts, environmental organizations and government agencies to update, improve and expand the protocol (see summary of changes section below). The first draft revision of the protocol was released for public comment in December 2008.
Version 3.0 Public Comments
Public comments were submitted on the draft U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 in December 2008 and January 2009. See the draft protocol, staff responses to public comments, and public comments below.
- Draft U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 (December 2008)
- Summary of Comments and Responses on the Draft U.S. Forest Project Reporting Protocol (April 6, 2009)
The following minority reports identify areas where the workgroup did not achieve complete consensus.
- PFT CCAR Minority Report (December 2008)
- TNC CCAR Minority Report (December 2008)
Protocol White Papers
The Reserve commissioned the development of white papers that address topics relating to carbon accounting of optional pools, criteria for sustainable forest management and natural forest management, and assessing forest project eligibility on federal lands. Please click the link below for more information.
U.S. Forest Protocol White Papers
Summary of Changes from Version 2.1 to 3.0
Significant improvements and changes form the U.S. Forest Project Reporting Protocol Version 2.1 to the draft U.S. Forest Protocol Version 3.0 included the following:
- Expanded applicability so that the protocol may be used with projects throughout the United States
- Standardized requirements and improved guidance for estimating baselines for reforestation, improved forest management, and avoided conversion projects
- An option for registering reforestation projects on lands that have recently undergone a significant natural disturbance
- Explicit requirements and mechanisms to ensure the permanence of credited GHG reductions
- Improved requirements for more comprehensively addressing leakage
- Requirements and guidance for accounting for carbon in harvested wood products
- Refinement of the definition of “natural forest management”
- Numerous other clarifications, revisions, and improvements
Version 3.0 also introduced the requirement for each project developer to sign a Project Implementation Agreement (PIA) in order to register a forest project with the Reserve. The PIA set forth: (i) the project developer’s obligation to comply with the U.S. Forest Protocol, and (ii) the rights and remedies of the Reserve in the event of any failure of the project developer to comply with its obligations, including compensation for any “reversal” of greenhouse gas reductions.
Version 3.0 Workgroup Participants
Beaty and Associates | Pacific Forest Trust |
California Air Resources Board | Scientific Certification Systems |
California Forestry Association | Sierra Pacific Industries |
California State Parks | The Nature Conservancy |
CalFire | US Forest Service |
Environmental Defense Fund | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
Green Diamond Resources | Winrock International |
University of California | World Resources Institute |
Version 2.1
Document/Tool | Description |
U.S. Forest Protocol Version 2.1 (September 6, 2007) |
Version 2.1 was a policy revision with a full public comment period and Reserve Board approval. A summary of changes from the previous version can be viewed here: U.S. Forest Protocol Summary of Changes from Version 1.0 to 2.1. |
U.S. Forest Sector Protocol Version 2.1 (September 6, 2007) |
The protocol for quantifying and reporting entity-level carbon stocks and CO2 emissions. Version 2.1 required inventory reporting of carbon stocks and emissions on all lands owned by the project participant. |
U.S. Forest Verification Protocol Version 2.0 (May 2007) |
This protocol contains the requirements for verifying projects submitted under Version 2.1. |
U.S. Forest Protocol Summary | A one-page summary that identifies provisions and requirements. |
U.S. Forest Protocol Summary of Changes from Version 1.0 to 2.1 | This document summarizes the significant revisions from FP Version 1.0 to Version 2.1. |
Summary of Response to Public Comments, Version 2.1 | A summary of responses to public comments received. |
Version 2.1 Workgroup Participants
California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection | The Nature Conservancy |
California Energy Commission | The Pacific Forest Trust |
Hancock Natural Resources Group | Winrock International |
Mendocino Redwood Company |
Note: there was no public Version 2.0 of the U.S. Forest Protocol. Version 2.0 was used as an internal working revision only.
Version 1.0
Document/Tool | Description |
U.S. Forest Protocol Version 1.0 (September 2005) |
The first forest protocol developed under the California Climate Action Registry. |
U.S. Forest Sector Protocol Version 1.0 (September 2005) |
The protocol for quantifying and reporting entity-level carbon stocks and CO2 emissions. Version 1.0 required inventory reporting of carbon stocks and emissions on all lands owned by the project participant. |
U.S. Forest Verification Protocol Version 1.0 (September 2005) |
The companion document for verifying project and entity reporting |
In response to a mandate set out in California Senate Bill 812 (Sher, 2002) the Reserve began work on a set of Forestry Protocols in April 2003. The bill mandated the establishment of protocols to encourage carbon sink activities by creating an incentive for forest landowners to undertake forest conservation, conservation-based management, and reforestation projects.
Version 1.0 Public Comments
Public comments were received from the organizations listed in the table below. Their comments have been summarized and responded to by the Reserve.
American Forest and Paper Association | National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc. |
Fibre Box Association | Natural Resources Defense Council |
First Environment | Weyerhaeuser |
Environmental Defense | SGS |
Georgia Pacific Corporation | World Resources Institute |
Version 1.0 Workgroup Participants
California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection | The Nature Conservancy |
California Energy Commission | The Pacific Forest Trust |
Hancock Natural Resources Group | Winrock International |
Mendocino Redwood Company |
Version 1.0 Workgroup Notes
Minutes
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting March 29, 2008
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting May 23, 2008
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting April 10, 2008
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting April 29, 2008
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting July 1, 2008
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting July 24, 2008
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting June 10, 2008
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting August 14, 2008
- CCAR Forestry Protocols Meeting Summary August 14, 2008
Agendas
- Forest Protocol Workgroup Agenda October 10, 2008
- Forest Protocol Workgroup Agenda October 28, 2008
- Forest Protocol Workgroup December 10, 2008
- Forest Protocol Workgroup Agenda December 18, 2008
- Forest Protocol Workgroup Agenda January 20, 2009
- California Climate Action Registry Public Workshop on Draft Updated February 3, 2009
- Forest Protocol Workgroup Agenda March 26, 2009
- Forest Protocol Workgroup Agenda April 10, 2009
- Forest Protocol Workgroup Agenda May 15, 2009
Please contact the Reserve with questions or comments.
The Forest Project Protocol Version 3.1 revision involved minor editorial changes and clarifications to calculation methodologies and terminology; the update does not affect eligibility criteria for forest projects. Notable changes from Version 3.0 include: