FOREST OWNER CARBON AND CLIMATE EDUCATION PROGRAM (FOCCE)

Forests in the Eastern United States (US) comprise more than 90% of the land sector's carbon sequestration potential and 82% of these forests are in private ownership. The long-term goals of this project are to help private forests adapt and mitigate climate change, prepare minority owners to take advantage of carbon market opportunities, and prepare the forestry extension workforce to better serve their clients in forest carbon and climate issues. The education program will (1) build in forest owners and extension professionals basic literacy in forest carbon economics and climate change issues, (2) provide access to new and existing decision-making tools and resources, (3) foster acceptance of carbon and climate issues by building new communities of practice and, (4) reach under-represented categories of forest owners including African American and women forest owners. Our education approach is grounded in adult education theory, uses mixed methods of delivery and includes stakeholder feedback to adjust actions. Methods include direct learning through online recorded modules and resources, and peer education and professional development training approaches. The scope of the four-year project includes the greater Eastern US and is implemented in collaboration with both the Northern Forests and Southeastern Climate Hubs, over 20 research/extension professionals at 13 land grant universities, and multiple government agencies and private organizations. The establishment of a vertical community of practice will sustain programming into the future, by linking forest owners with leaders and decision-makers to help foster the future co-production of climate smart solutions on private lands.