Research by Peter Curtis (Ohio State University) and colleagues shows that northern Michigan forests can store an average of 0.65 tons C per acre per year. This rate of storage is higher than earlier estimates such as those used to develop the Kyoto Protocol, and is consistent with other recent studies that show that temperate forests are more efficient carbon sinks than previously thought.

The use of forests as purchasable carbon offsets will become more attractive as we learn more about how much carbon forests can store. However, there is so much variation in the factors that influence carbon storage in forests that prolonged, broad research like that discussed in this article will be needed at many more locations.

Links:

Press release: Scientists Point To Forests For Carbon Storage Solutions

Research Paper:

Christopher M. Gough, Christoph S. Vogel, Hans Peter Schmid, and Peter S. Curtis. Controls on Annual Forest Carbon Storage: Lessons from the Past and Predictions for the Future. 2008. Bioscience 58(7): 609-622.

Cross posted at Sustainable Kentucky/Green Kentucky