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Abstract
This analysis estimates the profitability of restoring wetlands for the sale of carbon offsets.
Results indicate that about 7% to 12% of the recently restored grassed wetlands of
the prairie pothole and high plains regions and 20% to 35% of the forested wetlands of
the Mississippi alluvial valley and Gulf-Atlantic coastal flats regions could have carbon
offset values that exceed the cost of restoring the wetland and the opportunity cost of
moving the land out of agricultural production. Given the uncertainties, the analysis
applies conservative estimates of wetlands’ costs, offset prices, and wetlands’ effects on
greenhouse gases.