This methodology quantifies the GHG emission reductions and removals generated from improving forest management practices to increase the carbon stock on land by extending the rotation age of a forest or patch of forest before harvesting. By extending the age at which trees are cut, projects increase the average carbon stock on the land and remove more emissions from the atmosphere.
This methodology is applicable to managed forests where clear cutting or patch cutting practices are implemented in the baseline.
Please note: Projects that have already requested listing on the Verra Registry before 16 May 2023 may complete validation using the previous version within six months.
Development History
VM0003 Methodology for Improved Forest Management through Extension of Rotation Age, v1.3
Status: Active since 16 May 2023
Summary of Changes: Several minor revisions were made, including:
- Modified Section 4 to expand access to non-certified lands that are to become FSC certified.
- Modified Section 8.5.1 to improve accuracy of wood products accounting in equations 33, 35, 36, and 37.
- Updated Section 8.7.2, equation 47 to conform with the most recent VCS requirements for quantifying uncertainty.
Developer: Ecotrust
Dates of Public Consultation: 3 Feb 2023 to 4 March 2023
Summary of Public Consultation: VM0003, v1.3 Summary of Public Consultation
VVB Assessment Report: N/A – minor revision with no VVB Assessment
VM0003 Methodology for Improved Forest Management through Extension of Rotation Age, v1.2
Status: Active from 29 Aug 2013 to 16 May 2023
Summary of Changes: Clarified Section 6.3 with respect to the selection of the most plausible baseline scenario.
Developer: Ecotrust
Dates of Public Consultation: N/A
Summary of Public Consultation: N/A
VVB Assessment Report: N/A
VM0003 Methodology for Improved Forest Management through Extension of Rotation Age, v1.1
Status: Active from 20 Nov 2012 to 28 Aug 2013
Summary of Changes: Updates were made to reflect the AFOLU Requirements at the time:
- Revision of Section 8.5.1.3. to account for the decay of carbon from the harvested wood products pool and to make explicit that the decay of the dead wood pool must not be assumed to be immediate.
- Other minor updates have also been incorporated into the methodology. Specifically, the applicability conditions were revised to clarify the types of forest management techniques which are eligible activities under this methodology. A modification was made concerning the timing by which FSC certification must be in place to allow projects to achieve certification by the start of the project crediting period.
Developer: Ecotrust
Dates of Public Consultation: N/A – minor revision with no public consultation
Summary of Public Consultation: N/A – minor revision with no public consultation
VVB Assessment Report: VM0003, v1.1 Methodology Review Report
VM0003 Methodology for Improved Forest Management through Extension of Rotation Age, v1.0
Status: Active from 13 May 2010 to 30 Sept 2012
Developer: Ecotrust
Dates of Public Consultation: 16 October 2009 to 15 November 2009
Summary of Public Consultation: N/A
VVB Assessment Report(s): VM0003, v1.0 First Assessment Report, VM0003, v1.0 Second Assessment Report