Reforesting Degraded Appalachian Mine and Agricultural Lands

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Summary

Living Carbon restores degraded mining and agricultural lands in the Greater Appalachia Region through active reforestation and addressing financial and ecological barriers to natural forest regeneration. Former mine lands have severely compacted and nutrient-poor soils due to soil backfill compacted from decades of heavy machinery use that struggle to recover naturally, and are commonly dominated by invasive plants. Former agricultural lands also tend to exhibit extreme compaction and nutrient leaching following grazing or unsustainable practices that limit long-term economic viability and result in fallow lands commonly colonized with invasive plants that hinder natural forest succession. Our approach includes invasive plant removal, soil amendment, and planting diverse native trees species optimized for rapid forest cover, biodiversity, and carbon removal.

How carbon is being removed

Biosphere carbon dioxide removal (CDR) harnesses the natural capacity of terrestrial and near-coastal ecosystems to absorb and store carbon for extended periods. These pathways utilize the biological processes of forests, soils, wetlands, and other ecosystems to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and sequester it in biomass, soil organic matter, and sediments. Approaches to biosphere CDR include Reforestation, Agroforestry, Improved Forest Management, Mangrove Restoration, Peatland Restoration, and Soil Carbon Enhancement. Biosphere pathways often provide many co-benefits around the protection and enhancement of biodiversity alongside sustainable development for local communities.

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Project timeline

Completed 01 May 2025

Initial documentation submission

Completed 01 Jun 2025

Audit kick-off

Completed 01 Aug 2025

Site visit

Expected Q1 2026

In progressApproval date

Isometric officially approves the project having reviewed the validation report produced by the VVB, documenting the activities, results, and conclusion of the audit. A full list of content requirements for the report can be found in the Isometric Standard.

Expected Q2 2028

Initial credit issuance

Credits

Protocol details

Reforesting Degraded Appalachian Mine and Agricultural Lands

Living Carbon
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Project details

Protocol details

Summary