Carbon Sequestration Certification Program

Carbon Pilot Program

In 2008 the Conservation Commission initiated a carbon pilot program in cooperation with Western Farmers Electric Cooperative (WFEC), the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, and Conservation Districts in Blaine, Canadian, and Dewey counties. The pilot program is being conducted in conjunction with the North Canadian River Water Quality Project, whose goal is to improve the water quality of the river between Canton Dam and Lake Overholser by reducing polluted runoff from land.

The pilot program provides an opportunity for the Conservation Commission to test administrative processes it plans to use for the statewide carbon program. The Commission hopes that the paired incentives offered by the carbon pilot and the water quality project will encourage participation. The purchase of the carbon offsets rewards landowners for good stewardship as their improved land management practices store carbon dioxide and protect water quality at the same time.

WFEC is sponsoring the pilot program at $100,000 over three years. Carbon payments of $3.50 metric ton will be made annually to qualifying agriculture producers who are contracted with the 319 project and are implementing the following conservation practices: no-till farming, grassland management, rangeland management, or riparian protection. The Oklahoma Carbon Initiative is aggregating offsets for WFEC at no cost to landowners. The Conservation Commission is verifying the offsets at not cost to landowners. 

As part of the pilot program agreement, WFEC is also funding soil carbon research in the North Canadian River Watershed conducted by Oklahoma State University. All pilot program partners are working together to raise additional funds to expand soil carbon research in Oklahoma. Learn more about how managing land for carbon sequestration also protects water quality.