Private forest owners in the Midwest now have a powerful tool to help them manage their woodlands responsibly while earning income. The Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP), developed by the American Forest Foundation (AFF) in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, provides landowners with financial incentives and expert forestry support to improve forest health and increase carbon storage.

Traditionally, small forest owners have been excluded from the carbon credit market due to the high costs of setting up a program and the need for large tracts of woodlands. FFCP changes this by allowing landowners to enroll their forests in a program that rewards improved forest management techniques. By following best practices such as selective harvesting, invasive species control, and extended growth cycles, landowners enhance carbon storage, which in turn generates verified carbon credits. These credits are then sold to companies working to reduce their carbon footprints, creating an additional revenue stream for forest owners.

Landowners who enroll in the Family Forest Carbon Program retain full ownership and usage rights to their land, including for recreation, firewood collection, and other commercial activities such as maple syrup production. The only commitment they make is leasing the carbon rights for a set period and ensuring their forest management practices align with FFCP’s sustainability goals.

Each participating property is compared against non-enrolled properties to measure its carbon storage improvements. This data is independently verified, ensuring that the carbon credits generated are legitimate and impactful. Companies that purchase these credits are vetted to confirm they are already making efforts to reduce their emissions before relying on offset programs like FFCP.

For landowners, FFCP is more than just a financial opportunity—it is also a resource for expert guidance in forest management. Through the program, participants receive tailored advice from professional foresters, helping them tackle challenges such as invasive species, degraded soil quality, and wildlife habitat improvement. Additionally, FFCP stimulates local economies by bringing investment into rural communities, supporting both landowners and the consulting foresters they work with.
According to Aimee Tomcho, a forester with the American Forest Foundation, “It’s rewarding to see landowners engage in sustainable practices, knowing that their forests will remain healthy and productive for future generations. The Family Forest Carbon Program helps them take practical steps toward responsible land management while also offering financial benefits.”

Since its launch, FFCP has enrolled over 125,000 acres of forestland across the United States. While initially available in select states, the program is frequently expanding its reach. In the Midwest, landowners in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, as well as Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Tennessee, have found FFCP to be a valuable resource for both conservation and financial stability.

The program is particularly relevant for Midwestern states where private land ownership plays a crucial role in overall forest health. Small landowners collectively manage millions of acres of forests, making their participation vital to the responsible management of natural resources.
The Buck family, who owns forestland in Pennsylvania, emphasized the personal fulfillment that comes with responsible forest management: “There’s a personal pride in being able to do things ourselves and take responsibility for the way we care for the land here. I have always wanted to convey that to my children, and they’re very conscious of sustainability, renewability, and good long-term stewardship in general — being good custodians of the land,” Buck said. Managing the property has been hard work, but he feels fortunate that he gets to do it. “I have never lost a minute of sleep thinking it was a bad deal; I’ve just been so grateful to have this opportunity. It’s a very rewarding experience.”

The ability to generate income while preserving and improving forestland represents a sustainable model for land stewardship. Many landowners who have enrolled in FFCP have found that beyond financial benefits, the program provides them with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions about their forests.

Foresters who collaborate with the program also gain opportunities to expand their work, offering carbon-focused forest management guidance to landowners who may not have previously had access to these resources. The partnership between conservation organizations, private landowners, and forestry professionals strengthens local economies while ensuring that forests remain resilient and well-managed.

Landowners interested in enrolling in FFCP can check their eligibility and learn more at familyforestcarbon.org. Those looking to support sustainable forest management while earning additional income can take advantage of this opportunity to enhance their land for future generations. By participating in FFCP, landowners contribute to a growing network of responsible forest stewards, helping to maintain productive woodlands, support wildlife, and preserve their land for future generations.