The revegetation of streams and creeks that crisscross California rangeland can play a significant role in helping counties meet carbon emission standards, says a new report from the University of California, Davis.
“We have long known that stream revegetation improves wildlife habitat and enhances water quality, but that fact that the vegetation and trapped sediment capture carbon underscores the importance of this conservation practice,” says David Lewis, a UC Agriculture and Natural Resources watershed management advisor for Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties.
“In Marin County, for example, the cost per metric ton for carbon dioxide equivalence sequestered with revegetation was $19.75. The carbon market is currently paying about $12.50,” Mr. Lewis says. “There is about $7 that we haven’t made up. But when you think about the other benefits of riparian restoration – reduced sediment, restored habitat for migratory songbirds and other wildlife – I would bet that value to be much greater than $7.”
“This represents tremendous potential for carbon sequestration,” Mr. Lewis said. “And rancher interest in stream restoration has never been higher. Working with the ranchers to plant trees and shrubs along our waterways presents a significant opportunity to offset carbon emissions.”