The Blue Carbon Program will focus on permanently protecting salt marsh and other coastal wetlands with Fee Simple acquisitions and Conservation Restrictions, in coordination with the existing Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Land Protection Program, and restoring the ecological function of these coastal wetlands. The purpose of the Program is to create incentives for private owners to aggregate tidal wetlands for at-scale restoration or acquisition to state and municipal land.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead the development of a Blue Carbon Program—evaluate the feasibility, design, and monitoring of coastal habitat conservation and restoration projects that increase carbon storage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increase coastal resiliency. Support the evaluation, design, and implementation of nature-based carbon offset projects focusing on blue carbon.
- Oversee consultants and contractors assisting in developing carbon offset and associated nature-based restoration and land acquisition projects.
- Build relationships with partners, including funders, non-profit organizations, municipalities, state and federal agencies, researchers and academic institutions, and landowners.
- Develop and manage a technical team, including federal and state agencies, academic institutions, and consultants, to build and support the program.