New Research Study Released: A Collaboration Between Palmer and Colorado College

To better understand emerging approaches to climate resilience, Palmer Land Conservancy has partnered with Colorado College's Environmental Studies and Science Program to explore the impacts of carbon sequestration on conserved lands. This impactful collaboration, launched in early 2024, demonstrates Palmer's commitment to advancing conservation science while creating practical solutions for landowners and communities.

Understanding Carbon Sequestration: Nature's Carbon Bank

Carbon sequestration might sound complex, but it's a natural process where carbon dioxide is captured and stored in the landscape. Think of it as the earth's natural storage of carbon dioxide—trees, soil, and other natural elements act like sponges, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it long-term.

The Power of Partnership

Under the guidance of Dr. Charlotte Gabrielsen, Colorado College's landscape ecology expert, and Palmer's experienced stewardship team, this collaboration has produced a comprehensive 68-page study examining how carbon markets and sequestration methods can benefit conserved lands in Colorado. This partnership builds on years of successful collaboration between Palmer and CC, bringing academic expertise together with on-the-ground stewardship experience.

Innovation Meets Conservation

The research tackles crucial questions about how lands with conservation easements can work with carbon markets. For landowners, this means potential new opportunities for funding conservation efforts while contributing to landscape resilience. The study explores ways protected lands can participate in carbon markets—a delicate balance that requires careful consideration of both ecological and economic factors.

Benefits for Our Community

This research provides valuable insights about the practical implications of carbon markets for:

• Landowners seeking to enhance their conservation practices
• Conservation organizations looking to expand their impact
• Local communities interested in climate resilience
• Future generations who will benefit from improved land management

Looking Forward: A Sustainable Future

Projects such as this are a natural fit with Palmer’s core commitment to innovative conservation solutions. By understanding how carbon markets can work alongside traditional conservation tools, Palmer will provide valuable insights and guidance to conservation-minded landowners to create more resilient landscapes for the future of southern Colorado.

The partnership between Palmer Land Conservancy and Colorado College represents more than just a research project—it's an example of how conservation organizations can partner with academic institutions and the community at large to advance their core mission of protecting precious landscapes.

As we look to the future, this collaboration sets the stage for additional conservation work where scientific research, community partnerships, and practical land management come together to create lasting positive change for our region.

Thank You to Dr. Charlotte Gabrielsen and Colorado College

Palmer is grateful for the ongoing collaboration with Dr. Charlotte Gabrielsen and Colorado College. This study would not have been possible without their expertise and dedication. 

Interested in reading the full report?