Riverlands Forest IFM, USA

The project spans nearly 47,000 acres and increases forest carbon stocks by preserving and sustainably managing forestland to ensure ongoing environmental and social benefits. Management focuses on sustainable harvesting and natural forest growth. Forests in the project area include Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Oak, Beech, and Birch. 

Predominantly Northern Hardwood forest in the state of New York sits in one of the most biodiverse regions of North America. It was intensively harvested by industrial forest owners over the past decades. 

Through sustainable forestry practices, the project maintains and sequesters carbon throughout its lifespan. It ensures long-term forest management, preventing extensive commercial timber harvesting. The project also contributes to protecting wildlife, plant and tree species, as well as preserving the abundance of wetlands.

In addition to delivering emission reductions and removals to help take urgent action to combat climate change (SDG 13), Improved Forest Management (IFM) projects in North America contribute to other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering multiple benefits:

• Clean Water and Sanitation: IFM projects that shift from production to conservation protect and improve water-related forest ecosystems, enhancing water quality and water retention. Conservation practices reduce soil erosion and act as a buffer for nitrate leakage from surrounding agriculture. 
• Life on Land: IFM activities contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation and forest protection. Shifting from production to conservation helps avoid forest loss, while reduced impact logging contributes to higher species richness and biodiversity.