The City of Indianapolis is protecting 184 acres of forest land within the city limits. The project area is home to a diverse array of wildlife and is a destination for community members and visitors to the city. By enrolling the property in a carbon project, the City of Indianapolis aims to ensure forested areas are protected and sustainably managed for future generations.

The City of Indianapolis will use the revenue generated by carbon credit sales to fund conservation management to protect the forests of Eagle Creek Park, by ecological restoration management and other means to help ensure improved ecosystem services, including stormwater quality, air quality, biodiversity, climate resiliency, and pollinator protection. The forests of Eagle Creek Park surround and protect Eagle Creek Reservoir, a major drinking water source for the city of Indianapolis.

The Eagle Creek Park Forest Legacy Initiative is a mix of deciduous trees including maple, beech, elm, oak, and many other native species with some scattered coniferous trees. The project area is zoned as Park District (PK 1/PK2), though it is not inherently protected by being a park. During the first three decades since becoming a park, significant areas of park land were transferred or leased and some of its forested areas were cleared. The City of Indianapolis will record a deed restriction to permanently preserve these forests in perpetuity. Protecting these trees will secure long-term protection and conservation of this valuable forest land, and support the natural resource sustainability goals of the THRIVE Indianapolis plan.

More information coming soon.

Co-Benefits

Forest preservation projects not only reduce carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but provide ecosystem services or co-benefits that can be quantified. The co-benefits from this project represent a savings (avoided costs) of $69,720 per year, and $2,788,816 over 40 years.

• Rain interception (stormwater management) – 39,954 m3/year, $65,446 per year
• Air quality – 1.1448 t/yr, $477 per year
• Energy – cooling (electricity) – 46,372 kWh/year, $3,153 per year
• Energy – heating (natural gas) – 66,674 kBtu/year, $644 per year

Social Impacts

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call for action and global partnership among all countries, representing key benchmarks for creating a better world and environment for everyone. Well-designed and managed urban forests make significant contributions to the environmental sustainability, economic viability and livability of cities.

The main SDGs for this project are described below, with more detailed information in the Project Design Document.

The preserved trees will act as natural air pollution filters, and protect park goers from UV exposure and heat. The park will contribute to human health as it promotes physical activity, relaxation, and social interaction.

Protecting the forest adjacent to the Eagle Creek Reservoir will help mitigate stormwater runoff, improve flooding resilience, and ensure safe drinking water. The forest will intercept and absorb rainwater, reduce soil erosion, and maintain water quality.

This project enhances air quality and reduces the urban heat island effect. Additionally, Indianapolis residents will engage in volunteer efforts to remove invasive plant species, improving the forest’s resiliency to climate change.

This forest provides unique habitat for many species including migratory birds and nesting habitat during breeding season. Over 20 rare or threatened species reside in this park ecosystem. Restoration specialist and volunteers will work to promote local biodiversity while sustainably managing the ecosystem.