DNR, DTE Energy Finalize Agreement On Nation's First Carbon-Credits Project On State Forest Land

Press release from Michigan DNR:

Aug. 25, 2021

Contact: Scott Whitcomb (DNR), 231-373-3007 or Anne Santori (DTE Energy), 313-235-5555 Agency: Natural Resources

Aug. 25, 2021

Michigan's 3.9 million acres of state forest land provide space for outdoor recreation, cleaner water, habitat for wildlife and many other benefits. Thanks to a recent agreement between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and DTE Energy, Michigan's largest energy company, part of that forest land now will yield carbon credits that will help DTE reduce its carbon footprint and add an estimated $10 million in revenue to natural resource management.

The Bluesource/Michigan DNR Big Wild Forest Carbon Project is the first of its kind in the nation to leverage the carbon storage capacity of trees in state forests. The pilot project offers a portfolio of carbon offset credits generated from sustainable forest management activities on more than 100,000 acres of the celebrated Pigeon River Country State Forest - known as "The Big Wild" - in the northern Lower Peninsula.

"Our natural resources are a core aspect of our identity as Michiganders," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "To meet our long-term commitment to decarbonization we need to utilize innovative partnerships to increase revenues for land and climate programs. Under today's program, we are pursuing a climate-smart forestry strategy and effectively utilizing our natural and working lands to decrease pollution and protect public lands."

The pilot project

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Support for forests, wildlife

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Getting started

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Organizational links:

• The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. Online at Michigan.gov/DNR.
• DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Online at DTEEnergy.com.
• Bluesource is the most experienced and most diversified corporate climate and energy advisor providing innovative, trusted environmental services and products in North America. Online at Bluesource.com.

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. Credit all photos to Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

• Elk: Michigan's core elk range is an integral part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
• Fall in the Pigeon River: Scenic views like this are available throughout the more than 100,000 acres of the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
• Stacked aspen: Stacked logs from an aspen timber harvest on Michigan state forest land.
• Timber sale: A Michigan DNR forester inspects the harvest of a timber sale, this one in the Upper Peninsula's Delta County.
• Rainbow: A beautiful sight in the sky over the Pigeon River Country State Forest.
• Campground view: Lakeshore view from the Pickerel Lake State Forest Campground, one of the many camping opportunities in and around the Pigeon River.

This press release was produced by the Michigan DNR. The views expressed here are the author’s own.