|  | | Minnesota Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration Project
Amount: $185,000
Leads: James L. Anderson - Water Resources Center, Steve Polasky -
Department of Applied Economics, Edward A. Nater - Department of Soil,
Water and Climate
Description:
This proposal supports research, education, and outreach on biophysical, economic, and policy aspects of terrestrial carbon sequestration in Minnesota. Terrestrial carbon sequestration is the capture and storage of atmospheric CO2, a potent greenhouse gas, in plants and soils. Removing CO2 from the atmosphere is regarded as an important component to international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow global warming. Numerous land management practices (e.g., conservation tillage, use of perennial and cover crops, reforestation and afforestation, and wetland and grassland management) have the potential to sequester carbon. Many of these practices also have significant co-benefits, such as improving soil quality and productivity; reducing runoff and erosion; protecting water quality; and conserving fish and wildlife habitat. Broad adoption of these practices could provide a suite of co-benefits in addition to carbon sequestration, as well as a potential new source of rural income.
This proposal covers the initial phases of a program to develop scientifically-credible information about the biophysical and economic aspects of carbon sequestration practices and to establish a sound foundation for carbon-trading programs and markets in Minnesota. The researchers will develop a preliminary assessment of the potential magnitude of these sinks; the practices that will enhance them; the economic costs and benefits of doing so; and an evaluation of carbon accounting, monitoring, and trading practices. Two white papers detailing the results of these assessments will be produced. The researchers will work with focus groups, stakeholders, and a broadly-based steering committee to share their results and to seek partnership input into the second phase of the project, the development of research and demonstration projects focused on the carbon sequestration practices deemed most promising for use in Minnesota.
Throughout the program, on-campus and community forums and focus groups will be conducted to improve understanding and solicit input on a range of scientific, technical, socio-economic, and policy issues related to broad promulgation of carbon sequestration in the state.
In addition to UMN personnel, representatives of key stakeholder groups and agencies are being recruited to serve as advisors to the project. The steering committee presently includes Gerald Heil (Director, Agricultural Resources Management and Development, Minnesota Department of Agriculture), Co-Chairman; Wayne Anderson (Agricultural Policy Director, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency); William Grant (Director, Midwest Office of the Izaak Walton League); Linda Limback (Research Coordinator, State Energy Office, Minnesota Department of Commerce); Karen Utt (Senior Environmental Analyst, Air Quality Division, Xcel Energy); Dave Zumeta (Executive Director, Minnesota Forest Resources Council); Mark Zumwinkle (Planner, Minnesota Department of Agriculture). Cheryl Miller, an independent project manager, is the coordinator of the project.
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