Launched in May 2019, King County’s Forest Carbon Project confronts climate change by offering local companies the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions by keeping forests intact here in the region, making it possible for their employees and their families to explore and enjoy the protected outdoor spaces. 

The Puget Sound region, including the Seattle metro area, is growing rapidly. The Forest Carbon Project is a component of the Land Conservation Initiative, a 30-year vision to protect 65,000 acres of the most important remaining natural lands and urban green spaces for residents of the region.

King County has identified 1,500 acres of high-value urban forest to be preserved and will be acquiring lands with its city partners throughout the coming years. The first acquisition in 2019 was a 15-acre addition to Soaring Eagle Regional Park near Sammamish, WA. 

Program goals include:

A cleaner urban environment

Improve urban air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance water quality in our rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound

Sustaining salmon and wildlife

Protect critical salmon habitat and preserve corridors for our remaining elk, bears, and other wildlife in an increasingly fragmented, paved-over landscape.

Healthy communities

Provide our communities with the diverse physical and mental health benefits of green space. Improve our communities’ access to spaces to gather, relieve stress, and relax – and spaces where our children can play and learn outdoors.

Total Credits Issued: 3,025

• 2019: 3,025 credits issued

Total Credits Sold: 3,025

• 2019: 1,000 credits sold
• 2020: 1,360 credits sold
• 2021: 400 credits sold
• 2022: 265 credits sold

Total Credits Retired: 933

Total Credits Cancelled: 0

Total Credits Available for Purchase: 0