Carbon Crediting for Coastal Wetland Restoration: Science and Policy Update From Maryland.

Maryland is participating in local and national efforts to develop the protocols and methodology necessary to bring tidal marsh restoration and conservation projects into carbon markets. Results will be presented from ongoing field research and associated policy work being conducted in coastal marshes restored using dredged material (at the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and at Cove Point Marsh) and restored using ditch plugging (at three sites on the Delmarva Peninsula). I will discuss challenges associated with developing carbon crediting protocols and methodology including soil sampling methodology and intensity, multiple benefit accounting, avoided losses, methane emissions, greenhouse gas balance modeling, land ownership, carbon source and fate, carbon emissions during restoration, and community engagement. Carbon sequestration is one of many important ecosystem services provided through wetland restoration and may be a source of initial and long-term income for restoration projects.