Microsoft Purchases 80,000 Tons of Carbon Removals from U.S. Forest Management Project

Microsoft announced the purchase of 80,000 tons of carbon removals from the Northern California-based Western Rivers Conservancy’s Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project, facilitated by climate solutions provider 3Degrees.

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Managed by Oregon-based non-profit conservation organization, Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC), the project generates carbon and sustainable timber revenue, rejuvenating old-growth habitat and improving the health of the Blue Creek watershed. The WRC has purchased 47,097 acres along Blue Creek in Northern California, with nearly 15,000 acres currently being conserved as a salmon sanctuary with protection from harvesting, and the remainder managed as a tribal community forest with limited sustainable harvesting, with a carbon project on nearly 15,000 acres.

According to 3Degrees, revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits from the project has helped enable WRC to purchase the Yurok’s ancestral lands and donate it back to the Tribe. Sustainable timber revenue from the project is also expected to support the tribe over the long term.

Jennifer Cohn, Associate Director of Business Partnerships at 3Degrees, said:

“We are thrilled that Microsoft has chosen to support this project as it not only protects vital habitats but also supports the local community through sustainable land management.”

The agreement marks the latest in a rapidly growing series of carbon removal deals, forming part of the tech giant’s initiative to become carbon negative by 2030, including several large-scale nature-based carbon removal agreements, such as a 3 million ton reforestation-based deal with climate solutions provider re.green in May, and a 1 million ton improved forest management-based transaction with Anew Climate. Microsoft has built up a carbon removal portfolio spanning multiple solutions and technologies including, ocean-based carbon removal, and biochar-based projects, in addition to direct air capture (DAC) agreements.

Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal at Microsoft, said:

“We are pleased that 3Degrees is providing carbon removals that meet our quality criteria. Microsoft’s purchase of carbon removal credits from this project supports our near-term climate goals via a diversified portfolio of carbon removal.”

About Western Rivers Conservancy

Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) is an Oregon-based non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring rivers and their surrounding environments. Their efforts focus on purchasing and conserving vital habitats, ensuring sustainable land and water use, and supporting local communities through various environmental projects.