Our program helps landowners protect productive forests, generate upfront conservation income, and maintain long-term stewardship of their land — all while participating in high-integrity carbon markets.
Beyond carbon, your land is likely eligible for a variety of financial assistance, cost reduction, and other funding opportunities. Search our database of programs for landowners to learn more.
01
Submit your land
We’ll let you know if you’re eligible
02
Book your consultation
We’ll discuss the details of our program
03
Let us know you’re interested
We’ll set you up with a forest management plan and connect you with a land trust
04
Receive an offer
We’ll finalize all the details
05
Get paid
We’ll find the buyers
1 in 10
Forests Qualify
17
local conservation partners
$100s to $1000s
Per acre in funding
30 acres
minimum forest size
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about carbon payments, conservation easements, forestry, or enrollment? Here are answers to some of the most common questions from landowners exploring the program.
How do you determine which forests are eligible for the program?
Eligible land stores significant carbon and faces measurable risk of future development. We use proprietary AI and geospatial models to evaluate forest carbon, development pressure, and whether conservation through our program would create meaningful additional climate benefits.
What is a conservation easement (CE)?
A conservation easement is a permanent legal agreement that protects land from future subdivision and conversion to non-forest development. You still own your property and can continue approved uses like forestry, hunting, recreation, and other activities allowed under the easement terms.
How much does forest carbon pay per acre?
Most landowners earn hundreds to thousands of dollars per acre, depending on the amount of forest carbon on the property and the development pressure the land faces.
When do I get paid?
Payments begin after carbon credits are purchased and the conservation easement is recorded. Landowners receive 80% upfront, with the remaining 20% distributed in 5-year installments for the next 15 years.
What costs will I pay out-of-pocket?
Typically none. Upstream Carbon and our conservation partners cover conservation transaction costs such as appraisals, surveys, title work, and Forest Management Plans. Optional services outside the program scope may carry additional costs.
What if no one buys my carbon credits?
Your land stays as-is, with all of your preexisting landowner rights. The conservation easement and enrollment process are only contingent on securing a qualified carbon buyer.
Do I need to enroll all of my land in the program?
No. Non-forest land is often excluded from the easement, and some landowners choose to exclude a section of their forest as well. We can often carve out homes, future building areas, or other excluded acreage.
Can I still harvest timber?
Usually, yes. Our program is compatible with state forest use tax programs and allows for sustainable forestry and limited timber harvests consistent with your Forest Management Plan and carbon obligations.
How long does the program last?
The carbon program lasts 40 years. The conservation easement is permanent and remains with the property in perpetuity.
What happens if I sell my land?
The conservation easement and carbon deed restriction stay with the property and transfer to the new owner, along with any future payment rights and responsibilities.
What happens if storms, fire, or disease damage my forest?
Natural disturbances are covered by a permanence buffer fund managed by Upstream Carbon. This is a shared insurance-like pool of carbon credits designed to cover losses caused by events outside a landowner’s control.
Could I sell carbon credits without a developer?
In practice, it is extremely difficult. Carbon projects require over a hundred thousand dollars in capital to cover technical modeling, third-party verification, long-term monitoring, and access to large-scale buyers. Upstream Carbon bundles projects across many landowners to make participation feasible and cost-effective.
