Forest Matters

NativState

If you own forest land, you’ve probably heard about carbon credits, but what do they really mean for you? Forest Matters is here to make sense of it. Hosted by NativState, a leading carbon developer, this show explains how carbon programs work, why sustainable forest management matters, and what steps you can take to conserve your land while creating new income opportunities.

Episodes

  1. 11/26/2025

    High Conservation Value (HCV) Explained

    Identifying High Conservation Value (HCV) forests is an essential part of sustainable forest management and a key requirement within the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification process. HCV areas help ensure that rare species, unique ecosystems, and important cultural sites are protected—strengthening both ecological integrity and long-term forest value.In this episode of Forest Matters, NativState Wildlife Biologist Kevin Wood explains what qualifies as High Conservation Value and why it matters for landowners participating in NativState’s forest carbon programs. Kevin walks through how HCVs are defined, how they’re evaluated, and what landowners can expect if an HCV is identified on their property.In addition to discussing the role of HCVs within FSC certification, Kevin covers: FSC’s Six Categories of High Conservation ValueThreatened & Endangered Species and Their HabitatsRare Ecosystems such as Blackland PrairiesCultural and Indigenous Value SitesHow HCVs Are Identified (data review, surveys, and agency consultation)What HCV Designation Means for LandownersManagement and Monitoring Strategies to Protect Sensitive AreasEpisode Highlights0:49 – What Is High Conservation Value?2:11 – FSC’s HCV Criteria Overview3:52 – Threatened + Endangered Species Considerations4:50 – Rare Ecosystems and Where They Occur5:57 – Cultural and Indigenous Value Sites6:29 – How HCVs Are Identified9:19 – What Counts (and Doesn’t) as HCV10:11 – Project Example: River Species & Habitat Protection11:24 – What HCV Means for Landowners12:29 – Stream Buffers, Water Quality & Best Practices13:40 – Management Support & Monitoring Plans

    15 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

If you own forest land, you’ve probably heard about carbon credits, but what do they really mean for you? Forest Matters is here to make sense of it. Hosted by NativState, a leading carbon developer, this show explains how carbon programs work, why sustainable forest management matters, and what steps you can take to conserve your land while creating new income opportunities.