It’s important to be fully aware of the benefits and downsides of the carbon program you may be interested in. Carbon programs align well with some short- and long-term management goals, but may not with others. 

Before you enroll, you should consult with a Wisconsin professional forester, who can help you navigate the forest management implications of the program. Make sure that you understand everything in the program contract before signing. Here are a few key questions you can ask a program representative: 

• As the forest landowner, what are my responsibilities to manage the existing carbon?  
• How will carbon stocks be monitored on my land and how often are carbon inventories performed? 
• What is the payment schedule?  
• How will payments change if a severe weather event or forest pest results in forest loss?  
• If I want to perform a timber harvest, what are the guidelines and how do I get permission from the program?  
• Are other forest management activities, like prescribed fire or invasive species removal, not allowed?  
• What types of companies will buy the carbon credits associated with my forest? 
• What happens if I sell or transfer ownership of my land before the end of the contract? 
• What are the penalties for leaving the program before the end of the contract? 
• If I have an existing conservation easement, am I eligible? 
• If I am part of the Managed Forest Law (MFL) program, am I eligible?

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