Improving forest health, reducing risk: Long-term benefits of carbon projects
August 3, 2026
By Sandy Letzing, Senior Regional Forester, PNW
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest when logging trucks were a common sight, and local mills helped anchor rural communities. Since then, I’ve spent my career working in forestry and natural resources, watching our forests and the challenges facing them evolve. Mills have closed, regulations have changed, timber markets have become increasingly volatile, and development pressure continues to grow. Through it all, landowners keep asking the same question: How do we hold onto our forests and pass them on to the next generation?
While there is no single answer, Improved Forest Management (IFM) carbon projects are emerging as one practical tool. By creating income tied to long-term stewardship, these projects can help landowners keep forests healthy, productive, and resilient for years to come.