Grassland Project Protocol
Over the past several years, the Reserve has been evaluating opportunities to develop carbon
offset protocols for activities that increase or avoid the loss of organic carbon stored in soils:
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In 2010, the Reserve commissioned an issue paper evaluating a possible protocol for
crediting soil carbon sequestration associated with the application of biochar. Based on
the findings of the issue paper, however, we elected not to pursue protocol development.
In early 2011, the Reserve convened a workgroup to explore development of a Cropland
Management Project Protocol for quantifying soil carbon enhancements due to changes
in tillage practices. This effort was suspended after further analysis and consultation with
stakeholders.
In November 2012, the Reserve adopted the Forest Project Protocol Version 3.3, which
includes a methodology to account for net soil carbon emissions and sequestration in
forests. This work may help to inform future development of soil carbon protocols for
non-forest projects.
Continuing with these investigations, in early 2012 the Reserve commissioned an issue paper
related to two types of land-use change activities: avoided conversion of grasslands and
conversion of croplands to grasslands. Based on the completed issue paper and internal scoping
and research activities, the Reserve has decided to move forward with the development of a
protocol to address grassland projects in the United States.
The background research paper for soil carbon storage in grassland is available below.
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Grasslands Issue Paper (December 2012)
Workgroup
The Reserve is working closely with a multi-stakeholder workgroup to develop the Grassland
Project Protocol. The workgroup includes industry representatives, federal agency personnel,
environmental organizations, verifiers, and expert consultants. The workgroup includes
representatives from:
Colorado State University
SES, Inc.
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
The Climate Trust
Environmental Defense Fund
The Nature Conservancy
Environmental Services, Inc.
USDA – Natural Resources Conservation
Service
Workgroup Meetings
Workgroup meetings are open to the public. Interested stakeholders can join the workgroup calls
as an “observer” and listen to the workgroup discuss important issues for protocol development.
Observers will not have the ability to participate in calls but will be able to stay informed by
listening to the conversations as they unfold. If you are planning to participate as an observer and
would like to receive workgroup meeting notices, send a message
topolicy@climateactionreserve.org. Workgroup meeting dates will also be posted below, as soon
as they are scheduled.
Workgroup Meeting 5
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
9:00 am – 11:30 am PST
Register Here
Agenda (coming soon)
Reserve Presentation [link to attached document
“GPP_WG_Meeting5_Presentation_020415.pdf”]
Meeting Video (Coming Soon)
GPP Companion Tables
Grassland Draft PIA
Grassland Draft Indemnification Agreement
Grassland Draft Access Easement
Grassland Project Protocol – Workgroup Comment Draft – Not for Public Comment
This workgroup comment draft of the protocol is not open for public comment. It is simply being
used as a tool for discussion during the workgroup meeting. The protocol is expected to be
released for public comment in Spring of 2015.
Workgroup Meeting 4
December 4, 2014
Agenda
Reserve Presentation
Meeting Video
In-Person Workgroup Meeting 3
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Agenda
Reserve Presentation
Meeting Video
Grassland Project Protocol – Preliminary Draft – Not for Comment
This preliminary draft of the protocol is not open for public comment. It is simply being used as
a tool for discussion during the in-person workgroup meeting. The protocol is expected to be
released for public comment in Spring of 2015.
Workgroup Meeting 2
September 3, 2014
Reserve Presentation
Meeting Video
Workgroup Kick-Off Meeting
July 9, 2014
Agenda
Reserve Presentation
Meeting Video
Protocol Development
[REST AS USUAL…]