VIDEO: Storing carbon, protecting tree canopy, improving water quality, enhancing habitat: 5 years of progress for King County’s Forest Carbon Program

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Five years after Executive Dow Constantine made King County the nation’s first local government to offer a certified carbon credit program that protects both urban and rural forests, the initiative is producing lasting results for people, salmon, and wildlife.

The county’s Forest Carbon Program has so far generated about 65,000 carbon credits, providing $850,000 for forest preservation. The first two companies to purchase independently-verified carbon credits from King County – Microsoft and Kirkland-based Fishermen’s Finest – have been followed by a wide range of public and private organizations, including Seattle University, Portland-based Forsake outdoor footwear, and Major League Baseball to offset the 2023 All-Star Game hosted in Seattle.

Projects have helped protect 58 acres of the last remaining undeveloped upland forest on Vashon-Maury Island, conserve more than 100 acres of rare contiguous block of undeveloped forestland in the Ames Lake basin, and add more forestland to Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.

“Establishing a trusted, efficient, and effective forest carbon offset program requires ingenuity and creativity – and our staff demonstrated both,” said Josh Baldi, Director of King County’s Water and Land Resources Division. “In addition to storing carbon dioxide, our projects have protected tree canopy, improved water quality, and enhanced habitat at minimal cost to taxpayers.”

Unlike other carbon offset programs that protect forestland in different parts of the world, King County’s program makes it possible for local companies to protect forestland close to home where their employees and their families can explore.

In addition to storing carbon dioxide, forests that are protected and stewarded under the program’s guidelines contribute to cleaner air and water, healthier habitat for salmon and wildlife, and more recreational opportunities.