Appalachian Carbon Exchange Expands Program to Communities in Central Appalachia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Appalachian Carbon Exchange Expands Program to Communities in Central Appalachia
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The Appalachian Carbon Exchange (ACE) is proud to announce the receipt of a $2M grant from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Landowner Program. This award will support ACE in expanding its reach into Central Appalachia, focusing on coal-affected communities in Kentucky and West Virginia.
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In addition to enhancing organizational capacity, the grant will support the development of forest management plans aimed at increasing carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Smart land use is an important tool for improving environmental and economic outcomes in this area, which continues to face enduring poverty. Proactively managing land in Appalachia—known for its high climate resilience and biodiversity—is essential for maintaining and enhancing U.S. forests for future generations.
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To do this holistically, ACE’s local program model engages area corporate and manufacturing entities to support the resilience of their regional landscape and accomplish investment into their net zero strategies at the same time.
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Furthermore, this grant supports the establishment of a community benefit fund for forest management, which will provide training in critical skills for restorative forestry practices, such as understory clearing and invasive species management. This pilot funding will serve as a model for expanding ACE’s approach in other enrollment areas and as a resource for organizations interested in promoting restorative forestry.
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“We are developing a comprehensive forest carbon program that encompasses more than just measuring and monitoring carbon,” said ACE’s ED, Ongeleigh Underwood. “With this award, we will increase our capacity to integrate biodiversity, workforce development, and regional economic models into existing forest carbon methodologies with the support of expert local Appalachian organizations.”

ACE’s grant partners include Coalfield Development, Shaping our Appalachian Region, and the Appalachian Mountain Joint Venture (American Bird Conservatory).

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For more information, please contact:

Ongeleigh Underwood
Executive Director
Appalachian Carbon Exchange
‍ounderwood@appalachiancarbonexchange.com