Ducks Unlimited Avoided Grassland Conversion Carbon Project

This project proposes developing the necessary tools for grassland producers to receive compensation for the carbon storage benefit of retaining rangeland that would otherwise be converted to cropland through the sale of carbon offsets. The conversion of rangeland to cropland continues to occur at a chronic rate in the Northern Great Plains, emitting CO2 as the soil organic carbon becomes oxidized through cultivation. Conservation of grasslands also provides numerous other environmental and social benefits from reduced soil erosion, to increased recreation opportunities. Proposed project activities will develop and certify a methodology for Avoided Grassland Conversion for use in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS, formerly the Voluntary Carbon Standard).