I don't know enough yet. Is this a program related to legislation or is it just for individuals to have a voluntary way to reduce their impact? Is this open to forest owners under some sort of program? Does the forest owner have to pledge to keep the land as forest for a certain amount of time?

bob64, thanks for responding. I would hope that this is a voluntary program however, in Europe because of legislation as I understand there is a carbon offset market.

As a woodland owner I would like to see a market develop for the sale of offsets with a stipulation for no logging or sales for development for a set period of time.

I am unaware of any program in my state of NC.

Here in NC we are rapidly losing forests and farmland. So any incentive to offset the costs of privately holding might help.

I appreciate the time you have taken to think about this concept.

The Federal government (and maybe some states) have some sort of incentive program for preserving land or wetlands - can't remember exactly what.