As the climate continues to change, land conservation plays an essential role for animals and mankind.
This role can be seen both in terms of carbon storage in trees and soil, and as a natural way to mitigate fiercer storms and rising waters. This year, OSI-protected lands removed an estimated 1.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere – equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 1.2 million cars. For example, the newly-protected West Mountain property stores approximately 116,000 metric tons of carbon, or more than 90 metric tons per acre, which is considered well above average. The property joins the Baldface and Trembleau mountain additions, also protected this year, as examples of successful OSI projects that not only safeguard habitat, but are a critical stabilizing force for the climate.