Evaluating the Current and Future Carbon Sequestration Value of Forested and Agricultural Lands in the Bull Run Mountain Region, Virginia

Student Researchers

Colby Samide '26, Major: Business Analytics (2024)

Aaron Tingley '24, Major: Economics, Minor: Environmental Science and Policy (2023)

Jialu (Krista) Tao '24, Major: Geology, Minor: Data Science (2023)

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Robert Rose

Project Description

W&M students worked alongside the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy on an interdisciplinary study exploring the carbon sequestration and biodiversity value of forested lands in the rapidly developing Bull Run Mountains, Virginia. This multi-year project explored potential ways that landowners can balance the conservation and economic value of their lands and their goals related to their ecosystems in the face of rapid development. Specifically, W&M students explored the potential of carbon markets and conservation easements in meeting the economic and conservation goals of landowners. 

In 2023, Krista Tao '24 and Aaron Tingley '24 interviewed landowners about the value of their lands and inventoried the amount of carbon sequestered by the current forests in the area, while calculating the value lost per year due to deforestation. In 2024, Colby Samide 26 interviewed experts and compiled literature to develop a toolkit for landowners to understand and access carbon markets and conservation easements. The toolkit and accompanying carbon sequestration analysis provides landowners in Bull Run with context-specific information needed to explore the potential of carbon markets and easements in meeting the economic and conservation goals of landowners in the Bull Run region.

Bull Run Mountain Conservancy Toolkit

Project ID - Format

22-004-22 - Conservation GIS Lab

22-004-23 - CRP Year

22-004-24 - CRP Year