In general terms, the baseline scenario of a carbon offset project is analyzing the land use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a project area if the project were not to occur. Having an accurate baseline scenario is a crucial step for carbon offset projects. This is because the removal/reduction of GHG emissions from the project will be compared to the GHG emissions from the baseline scenario. Thus, having huge implications on the amounts of carbon credits awarded to the project once run through a crediting GHG program like the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

In the process of moving the world to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), the development of carbon markets took shape. These markets allow companies, NGOs, and even individuals to trade emissions. This is done in the form of carbon credits, a verified and validated unit, where one credit equals one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent avoided, reduced, or removed from the atmosphere. Two markets exist where these units are traded, compliance markets and voluntary markets. Mitigation Partners, Inc. (MPI) is looking at what these two markets are and how they are regulated.

Due to the numerous positive benefits of NBS and their cost-effective and sustainable approach to environmental issues, they are becoming increasingly popular as a viable alternative to traditional engineering solutions. Minnesota contains a plethora of restorative carbon sequestration opportunities rooted in the Nature-based solutions framework. From the drained peatlands up north to the reforestation opportunities around the State. Mitigation Partners Inc. is committed to restoring natural habitats, improving biodiversity, creating economic opportunities, and improving the health of our Minnesota community.

The carbon cycle is an important part of the Earth's climate system. The cycle involves the exchange of carbon between the atmosphere, land, and oceans. The land and oceans each have carbon sinks which store atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) for some time before it is released and cycles through again. It is an essential process for supporting life on Earth and overall environmental health. This relationship can be complex and takes long periods to study. However, a few simple explanations can make this topic more clear.

Carbon sequestration is an important topic of conversation in the world today. It involves capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it via biological, geological, or technological methods. Carbon sequestration aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Moving forward, this process is a critically important part of the effort to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The definition of "waters of the United States" (WOTUS) plays a crucial role in determining the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act (CWA), which is the primary federal law for protecting the quality of the nation's water resources. The CWA does not define WOTUS; rather, it provides the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the regulatory agencies that oversee the CWA, with the authority to define WOTUS in regulations. The definition of WOTUS has a long and complex history that has been shaped by a variety of legal, political, and environmental factors.

The primary goal at MPI is to have a full understanding of the available banks and credits coming online now and in the future. In the Upper Midwest there are currently more banks available and more coming online than ever before. It has never been more important to have a finger on the pulse of projects getting permitted and those needing credits.

Minnesota’s wetlands come in different shapes, sizes and forms, but all provide numerous ecological services to plants, animals and humans alike. But what exactly is a wetland? Is it that cattail pond in my neighbor’s backyard? Or is that seasonally flooded lowland on my property? Here we offer a basic overview of wetlands and ways to identify them.

Since 1991, Minnesota has regulated a “no net loss” of wetland area within the state. Delineation is the process by which boundaries of existing wetlands are defined and area is measured – a critical component of the mitigation banking system of credit offsets.

Restoration monitoring is a complex process that requires expert ecological and statistical knowledge, as it informs decisions for adaptive management, timelines for goals, and evidence for successful credit approval.

Although often overlooked at first glance, the seasonally flooded basin is a vital wetland ecosystem that has unique characteristics and provides essential environmental and economic services.

Admired for their diverse plant communities and their ability to support rare and valuable species, wet meadows are considered invaluable wetland ecosystems that provide essential environmental and economic services.

Although commonplace, a shallow marsh is a highly regarded ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and provides essential services for people and ecosystems alike.

Wooded swamps are a common feature on the Minnesota landscape throughout the state, but especially in central and northern Minnesota. They contribute vastly to the quality of life of every Minnesotan through the ecosystem services they perform, the timber they provide, their benefits to wildlife, their beauty, and the recreational opportunities they afford.

The concept of ecosystem services is critical in the field of ecology and in the management of natural resources. In brief, ecosystem services are benefits to humanity provided by healthy, sustainable, well-functioning environments. Here we describe six key examples for wetland habitat.

A fen is a unique wetland that is primarily fed by input from groundwater flowing through the aquifer from higher-elevation landforms. Recharge from groundwater rather than rainfall is favored by position along a slope, where water moves downward, preventing stagnation and keeping nutrient levels relatively high.

It’s common knowledge that mosquitoes require standing water in order to breed. Mosquito control, therefore, has often involved drainage of natural wetlands. But this actually worsens the wetland problem. Here we explain why.

Supporting native pollinators has been of special public interest in recent times. Recognizing the ecological roles of pollinators and the pressures they face today (from factors such as habitat loss and climate change), efforts are being made to ensure a future for these vital species.

Although wetlands are a naturally resilient ecosystem, they are sensitive to environmental changes. In recent years, experts have documented changes that have negatively affected wetland habitat, many of which are tied to human activities. Compiled here is a list of four of the most pressing threats facing wetlands today.

The midwestern United States is home to some of the most coveted waterfowl hunting grounds in the nation. Every year, thousands of hunters come together to take part in this popular and revered pastime. States in the Midwest, representing both the Central and Mississippi Flyways for waterfowl, consistently rank in the top half of states for duck and goose hunting popularity..