Sheep Creek Reforestation
Overview
The Sheep Creek Reforestation project, located in Montana, USA, is being developed by Mast Reforestation SPV I, LLC (“Mast”) and is expected to restore more than 2,600 acres that experienced high-severity burn in the 2021 Harris Mountain Fire. Mast’s unique approach to post-wildfire restoration combines proven reforestation practices with new technology to regrow healthy, resilient, climate-adapted forests after they have experienced catastrophic wildfires. In collaboration with large private landholders, Mast develops high-quality projects with positive biodiversity impacts on lands faster than they would naturally regenerate due to the severe impact from wildfires.
The Sheep Creek Reforestation project is expected to remove approximately 285,000 tonnes of CO2e and generate an equivalent number of carbon credits based on two planting phases. Carbon credit issuance for the first planting area is expected in approximately 2025 and issuance for the second planting area is expected in approximately 2026. The Sheep Creek Reforestation project is registered under the Climate Action Reserve’s Climate Forward program.
Impact Highlights
Protecting Climate & Biodiversity
In addition to carbon removal, the project supports climate resilient forests that improve wildlife habitat and soil quality, further supporting the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The project is located in a critical wildlife corridor at high risk of subdivision that is home to species such as bighorn sheep, elk, moose, grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, bald eagles and more. The perpetual conservation easement will protect the land from development, logging, or subdivision for 100+ years of funded monitoring by an accredited land trust.
Healthy Communities
Healthy forests support healthy communities. The project will also create new sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities, many of them impacted by a shrinking timber economy, through the creation of reforestation opportunities in seed collection, site preparation and seedling planting.
Carbon Credits
The Sheep Creek Reforestation project is expected to generate approximately 285,000 carbon removal credits based on two planting phases. A portion of the revenue from the sale of the carbon credits will flow back to Mast (the project partner), and the landowner.
Key Attributes
Project Type
Removal / Sequestration
Project Category
Reforestation (ARR)
Standard Body
Climate Action Reserve | Climate Forward (expected) (CF 23)
Number of UN SDGs
4 targeted
Initial Credit Issuance
2025E
Climate Action Reserve’s Climate Forward Program
The Sheep Creek Reforestation project is expected to be registered under Climate Action Reserve’s Climate Forward program. This program is designed to catalyze innovative, creative emissions reduction projects that require upfront investments by generating Forecast Mitigation Units using a methodology specifically intended for forward financing. Each Forecast Mitigation Unit is equal to one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) expected to be reduced or sequestered. Forecast Mitigation Units for any given project or project area are issued in one tranche following confirmation which occurs approximately one year after planting to ensure seedling survival beyond the highest mortality period, and can be converted to Climate Reserve Tonnes with post monitoring and verification, or retired to mitigate future anticipated emissions.
Project Partner
As the leading end-to-end reforestation company in the U.S., Mast is on a mission to make reforestation scalable. As bigger and hotter fires destroy more forestland every year, Mast Reforestation provides faster and more resilient forest restoration at no cost to landowners. Mast provides everything from collecting native, diverse seed species to site prep, planting, and ongoing monitoring, using carbon financing to pay for it all. Mast Reforestation encompasses a portfolio of trusted companies: DroneSeed, Silvaseed, and Cal Forest, which bring a combined 150+ years of nursery experience and make Mast one of the largest suppliers of seed and seedlings in the U.S. Mast’s investors include Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six, Social Capital, DBL Partners, Marc Benioff’s TIME Ventures, Elemental Excelerator, and more.