Preserving Appalachian Valley Biodiversity
In January 2023, CNX an independent natural gas company with operations in the Appalachian Basin, partnered with ClimeCo to develop an Improved Forest Management (IFM) project in Virginia’s Tazewell and Buchanan counties on land that was previously managed for timber production. The Appalachian Valley IFM (AVIFM) project aligns closely with CNX’s commitment to being a good environmental steward and corporate citizen in Appalachia, where they operate.
ClimeCo, a global sustainability company focused on advancing a low-carbon future and restoring nature with market-based solutions, will serve as CNX’s project developer. ClimeCo, which has extensive nature-based solutions experience, chose to participate because of the clear benefits to Appalachian communities and biodiversity – attributes that mesh well with ClimeCo’s core values.
About the Project
The Appalachian Valley Improved Forest Management Project will shift the focus from timber production to conservation on 34,422 acres (13,931 hectares) owned by CNX, enhancing carbon storage and sequestration. It will also create socio-economic development and recreational opportunities for local communities, demonstrating how forest land can generate revenue through conservation-based management. The project is committed to protecting these areas for at least 40 years.
IFM projects like AVIFM help preserve biodiversity by reducing harvesting activities, allowing forests to develop complex structures and diverse habitats. The Appalachian Valley Ecoregion, one of the most diverse temperate forests, is increasingly vulnerable to human impacts. Conservation efforts will benefit local flora and fauna, protecting habitats for endangered species like the Indiana bat, Northern long-eared myotis, and Virginia big-eared bat, and supporting the reintroduced elk population. The project will also reduce sediment erosion, improving water quality in local streams and rivers, home to endangered freshwater mussels.
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Creating High-Integrity IFM
IFM projects reduce carbon emissions by protecting forests and allowing continued growth. High-integrity carbon credits require additionality, risk management, conservative calculations, and additional benefits. ClimeCo thoroughly evaluates projects before investing. For AVIFM, they documented evidence of continued harvesting without intervention and assessed low risk due to CNX’s presence and management. Stakeholder engagement is crucial. CNX and ClimeCo involved various groups, held public meetings, and provide a grievance mechanism through the project website. The AVIFM project demonstrates CNX and ClimeCo’s commitment to biodiversity protection in the Appalachian Basin, aiming to improve regional quality of life and provide a safe haven for various species.