Family Forest Blog

Unlocking the Power of Rural America: The Rural Forest Markets Act

American Forest Foundation

June 17, 2024

RFMA policy webinar web

Tuesday, July 16
12 – 1pm EST
Click here to register

Family forest owners care about their land and want to do what’s right for forests, wildlife, and the planet. The fast-growing voluntary carbon market can unlock the potential for family forest owners to create meaningful impact, but their goals are often out of reach. 1 out of 3 family forest owners have a household income of less than $50,000, and struggle with the high cost of forest management and conservation.  

The Rural Forest Markets Act (RFMA) helps to bridge the gap between the marketplace and landowners by bringing the power of private finance to rural America. The Act creates a voluntary incentive option for small landowners to adopt climate-friendly forest management practices to increase the value of the carbon, water, timber, and other commodities that can be sold in a marketplace. In doing so, it unlocks new revenue streams to help them build generational wealth and keep their land in the family, while ensuring the long-term health and value of their forests – all at no expense to taxpayers. 

In this webinar, you’ll hear from forest and climate experts about how RFMA works, the importance of including it in the upcoming 2024 Farm Bill, and how it will equip rural America to bolster economies, protect the health of our nation’s woodlands, and help our country reach its ambitious climate mitigation goals.  

Speakers:  

  • Maya Solomon, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy, the American Forest Foundation

  • Morgan Cashwell, Associate Director of Legislative Affairs, North American Policy & Government Relations, The Nature Conservancy

  • Madeline Wade, Partner and Founder, Brumidi Group, (representing REI)  

Click here to register 

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