Get Involved in the Program

How to Generate Credits

1. Submit Validation Checklist     

Complete the Validation Checklist (available on the Program Documents page under Pre-Field Forms) and email to ksteele@sagebrusheco.nv.gov. The checklist helps the SETT confirm that the project will meet minimum eligibility requirements. The SETT will review the checklist and, if minimum eligibility requirements are met, issue a Notice of Validation.

2. Complete Habitat Assessment

Work with a certified CCS Verifier to have an extensive habitat assessment (called the Habitat Quantification Tool or HQT) completed to quantify the credits available for a specific project area. Most elements of the field work are required in Spring when vegetation is ideal for sampling. The list of current Verifiers can be found on the Program Documents page. The Verifier must submit a sampling plan to the SETT prior to field work and submit results to the SETT upon completion of the HQT for review.

3. Submit Draft Management Plan 

Complete a draft management Plan using CCS Management Plan template (found on the Program Documents page under Post-Field Forms) and submit to the SETT for review and comment by the SETT.

4. Finalize Management Plan 

Once all parties agree to terms on a final management plan, the plan is signed and credits can be made available for sale. The SETT will ensure debit project proponents are informed of credit producers with available and anticipated credits, and credit producers are also encouraged to market their available or anticipated credits to potential credit buyers.  

5. Sell Credits and Sign Participant Contract

After the final negotiations of a credit sale are made including the sale price and term of commitment, a Participant Contract is signed, credits are transferred to the credit buyer, financial assurances are finalized to set aside sufficient funds to ensure project success, and the commitment term in the management plan is updated as agreed upon for the credits sold. The forms associated with this step are found on the Program Documents page under Post-Field Forms.

For further details, refer to the Project Checklist and other forms and tools as well as the CCS Manual on the Program Documents page.

How to Acquire Credits to Offset Disturbance

1. Submit the Debit Project Review Form with Section I completed.

To begin to fulfill compensatory mitigation requirements through the CCS, download the Debit Project Review Form (found on the Program Documents page under Pre-Field Forms), and complete Section I. Submit to the SETT by emailing ksteele@sagebrusheco.nv.gov to begin the consultation process, and work with the SETT to fill out Section II and appropriately document all avoidance and minimization measures.  

2. Complete Habitat Assessment.

Work with a certified CCS Verifier to have an extensive habitat assessment (called the Habitat Quantification Tool or HQT) completed to quantify the debits from the planned project to the specific project area. Most elements of the field work are required in Spring when vegetation is ideal for sampling. The list of current Verifiers can be found on the Program Documents page. The Verifier must submit a sampling plan to the SETT prior to field work and submit results to the SETT upon completion of the HQT for review.

3. Purchase Credits.

After review of the habitat assessment (HQT) and the resulting debits, you are ready to negotiate with credit producers and purchase available credits. This step mainly involves completion of the remainder of the Debit Project Review Form, completion of a Credit Purchase or Credit Transfer Form (found on the Program Documents page under Post-Field Forms), and signing to finalize these documents. 

For further details, refer to the project checklist and other forms and tools as well as the CCS Manual on the Program Documents page.

Funding Opportunities for Potential Credit Developers

Not available at this time

 

Trainings and Workshops

CCS Verifier Training
The CCS provides the opportunity for experienced Environmental Consultants to become or remain certified as Verifiers, to lead habitat assessments or the desktop GIS component of the HQT for CCS debit and credit projects. Each year, Verifier training takes place the last week of January. Consultants with recent experience with the CCS who wish to maintain their certification must attend a one day refresher. Those new to the program or with experience with CCS projects deemed insufficient to pass the refresher must attend a two day training and pass the appropriate test for each certification. If interested in attending, please contact Sarah Hale of the SETT. If interested in learning more details of the Verification process, the User's Guide explains it in detail, whereas the CCS Manual contains the policies and management of the CCS in further detail. These documents, and the HQT, can be found on the Program Documents page.