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A carbon inventory plot is a sample point for us to measure the carbon on the landscape. These plots are replicated across the landscape throughout our carbon projects to enable us to extrapolate carbon sequestration to a per-acre basis across the entire property.

We establish permanent data sampling sites called “plots”. These plots allow us to continuously measure and monitor dynamic changes in the forest through repeated measurements of our trees over the long term. Our goal is to determine the amount of carbon in the forest and track changes such as tree growth, harvesting activities, natural disturbance and other forest dynamics throughout the entire project duration.

Each carbon plot is monumented with a permanent center point representing the center of each fixed-radius carbon plot. We measure and track the overstory and understory trees found within the plot’s fixed radius.

In order to determine how much carbon is in each tree, we collect a series of physical measurements and qualitative data that are input into species-specific biomass equations.

We measure the tree’s diameter at a standard height of 4.5 feet above ground. This enables us to have a consistent, replicable inventory of trees in each plot.

We measure the total tree height as well as the merchantable tree height using laser hypsometers or manual clinometers and trigonometry.

We use all this data and allometric biomass equations generated by the USDA forest service and forest science biomass researchers to determine the wood volume of each tree. These equations were generated over years of researchers taking these measurements on all the species of trees, cutting them down, cutting them apart and kiln drying the trees, remeasuring and weighing their biomass, and refining the mathematical equations accordingly.

We then take the biomass volumes and convert that into the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide the trees had to sequester from the atmosphere through photosynthesis to grow that much biomass, then further into a fungible carbon credit unit. One carbon credit unit represents a metric ton of carbon dioxide pulled from the atmosphere.

We measure, or calculate, and get credit for four distinct carbon pools.

• Above and below ground standing live carbon
• Aboveground standing dead carbon
• Carbon stored long term in harvested wood products

At ground level, implementing our carbon-stewardship silviculture practices means utilizing harvest practices that increase carbon removal and storage on the landscape while also balancing the needs of forest health, soil, wildlife habitat, and economic impact for the long term.

Our climate-focused forest management allows forests to grow older by waiting longer between harvests. We actively manage for diverse forests with a variety of tree species, forest ages, and ecological habitats. Our harvests aim to mimic natural disturbance to promote natural regeneration of strong, healthy trees through practices like selective thinning and gap creation. Many of Aurora’s hardwood forests have trees that can live for centuries. Our silviculture practices regenerate climate-resilient landscapes that retain economic value while mitigating negative climate impacts.

Over 700,000 acres of Aurora lands contain areas of recognized biodiversity value with intact habitats, natural communities, and populations of rare species. Carbon stewardship allows forests to mature, creating and maintaining habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal life.

By addressing nature loss and climate change together, we enrich public health as well as quality of life. Healthy forests provide many ways to engage with nature. Through our proactive conservation and management practices, we support families and adventurers of all kinds to forge deep, meaningful connections with the natural world.