Credit Project Proponents

Private Land Credit Projects

Credits are the currency of the CCS. A credit consists of greater sage-grouse (GRSG) habitat function that has been quantified through numerous processes. These processes allow the SETT to make a non-biased determination on the number of credits generated based on the overall health of the ecosystem encompassed by the Credit Project. Credits are used to offset debits, which are quantified through a similar process, but issued to Debit Project Proponents, or producers of anthropogenic features (e.g., mines, solar, wind) that are being developed on public lands. When Debit Proponents receive a final debit estimate, they must purchase credits from landowners enrolled in the CCS to offset those debits. 

Through working with Private Landowners, the Sagebrush Ecosystem program fosters stewardship of Nevada’s private lands to create a net-benefit for GRSG.

Eligible CCS credit projects must meet the following criteria:

If you are unsure about any of the criteria listed below, the SETT will work with you to determine your eligibility for enrollment at no cost. For a more in-depth explanation of eligibility refer to the Sagebrush Ecosystem Program Manual (link)

• Projects must be in GRSG habitat.
• Landowners must attest to the current ownership, or use rights, control of water rights, and past land management and land uses associated with the entire credit site. 
• The site must be able to provide seasonal and daily resources for GRSG. 
• The site cannot be enrolled in an easement that seeks to accomplish the same goals as the CCS.
• No imminent threat of direct or indirect disturbance by land uses that will cause GRSG habitat function to be below the minimum performance standards.
• Signature on the Participant Contract that ensure that your land will stay the same, or improve, for the duration of the project.
• Attest to the accuracy of the information provided in all documentation.

Credit Generation Process:

The following steps outline the process to generate, quantify, and register credits for a Credit Project under the CCS. For more information on the Credit Generation Process refer to the Sagebrush Ecosystem Manual below

• Select and Validate Your Site
  • Complete the Validation Checklist below and email to sage-admin@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.
• Initial Credit Estimate
  • The SETT will review the checklist and, if minimum eligibility requirements are met, issue a general estimate and a Notice of Validation.
• Select a Verifier
  • See the Verifier List below to choose one of our annually certified verifiers. Work your Verifier to have an extensive habitat assessment (called the Habitat Quantification Tool or HQT) completed to quantify the credits during the next spring/summer.
• Create a Management Plan
  • See Management Plan Template below, fill it out yourself or have a verifier assist, and submit to your SETT project lead
• Receive Credits
  • 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.  
•  Sell Credits
  • The exchange of credits is an open-market process that is managed by the credit proponents themselves. See the Transactions page for more information.

Credit FAQ

For a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions relating to Nevada Conservation Credit System Credit Projects, please visit our Credit FAQ. Please contact the SETT if you have any questions.