Convert Timberland Into Crop Land

Wondering if you should covert timberland into crop land? Carbon Credits should be included in the calculation. In a recent case study of a 15,000 acre Pond Pine tract that would be suitable for conversion to cropland, we compared the value of the converted land to some other mixed uses.

This property is believed to have a large Natural Gas dome under it. Extracting the Natural Gas won’t interfere with selling Carbon Credits. Also, the property offers millions in tax credits if placed in a Conservation Easement. Finally, Since this is prime Bear and Waterfowl Hunting Land, and hunting will not hinder the ability to extract the natural gas, claim the Conservation Easement Tax Credits, or hinder the ability to sell Carbon Credits.

Carbon Credits for convertible land like this are considered Aversion Credits, as it is an aversion to conversion. If the final converted value is at least 140% of the present value, the land most likely is highly qualified for Carbon Credits. In this case, the very conservative estimate for available Carbon Credits is 5-7 million, subject to increase as the timber grows.

Added all up, the highest best value use for this property was tipped in favor of conservation/hunting by the ability to sell Carbon Credits.

National Land Realty has completed an extensive study of the Carbon Credits Market which is driven primarily by the CA. Cap & Trade Laws. As this brief example doesn’t begin to touch on all of the complexities of this interesting subject, feel free to reach out to us for more detailed information. We’d be happy to walk you through whether you should convert your timberland into crop land.