Forest Carbon Survey

 Exploring Forest Carbon Program Opportunities for Woodland Owners

Virginia’s woodlands are a vital part of our landscape providing wildlife habitat, clean water, recreation, and income for thousands of families. As new opportunities emerge to reward woodland owners for sustainable management, it’s more important than ever to understand what makes these programs practical and appealing for woodland owners like you.

Researchers from the Forest Economics Lab in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech are conducting a statewide study to learn more about woodland owners’ perspectives on forest carbon programs. These programs offer woodland owners an opportunity to access carbon markets in exchange for certain forest management actions. As these programs continue to develop, our goal is to identify which program features shape landowner participation and, most importantly, how forest carbon programs affect landowner well-being.

What are forest carbon programs?

As trees grow, they naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store that carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves, and roots. This stored carbon is often referred to as forest carbon. Because of this process, woodland plays a role in improving air quality.

Forest carbon programs provide woodland owners with an opportunity to access carbon markets. Through these programs, landowners enter into agreements to carry out specific forest management practices that increase carbon storage compared to typical management. In return, landowners receive payments, which are funded by the sale of carbon credits through carbon markets. Examples of forest management practices that may increase carbon storage include actions such as delaying harvests, planting additional trees, or improving stand conditions through certain forest management activities.

How woodland owners are selected for this survey?

Woodland owners across Virginia have been randomly selected using publicly available landownership data. If you were selected, you may receive a postcard invitation like the one below from our research team at Virginia Tech.

Each postcard includes a unique survey access code, along with a QR code and a survey link.

If you receive this postcard, please consider taking part in the survey by scanning the QR code with your phone/tablet. Your participation will contribute valuable insights into our research study and give you the chance to learn more about forest carbon programs and how they might benefit your woodland.

Why does your input matter?

Private woodland owners collectively manage most of Virginia’s woodlands. The decisions you make directly affect the health of our environment, the vitality of rural economies, and the legacy we leave for future generations.

By sharing your views, you help shape carbon programs that reward good stewardship, support sustainable woodland management, and promote lasting environmental and economic benefits.
Your responses will guide improvements to future forest carbon and incentive programs ensuring they remain fair, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Virginia’s woodland owners.

Join the effort

Your voice matters. If you receive our postcard invitation, please take a few minutes to complete the survey. For your convenience, we’ve included a QR code below that links directly to the survey. To begin, simply click “Start the Survey” below.

START THE SURVEY

Together, we can ensure that forest carbon programs truly reflect the goals, challenges, and values of Virginia’s woodland owners, supporting healthy woodlands, strong communities, and a sustainable future for all.