MSCI Places Finite Carbon’s Bessey Family Forest IFM Project Among Top 10% of Assessed Projects 

MSCI Places Finite Carbon’s Bessey Family Forest IFM Project Among Top 10% of Assessed Projects 

Finite Carbon is pleased to share that its Bessey Family Forest Improved Forest Management (IFM) Project (ACR785) earned a BBB rating from MSCI Carbon Project Ratings and ranked in the top 10% of assessed IFM projects worldwide. The project also ranked in the top 10% for co-benefits, legal and ethical performance, and delivery risk. These results highlight the project’s strong implementation integrity and its ability to deliver meaningful climate, biodiversity, and community benefits through sustainable forest management.  

MSCI Carbon Project Ratings provide an independent assessment of the integrity of carbon projects, helping carbon credit buyers better understand their quality, risks, and potential value. Evaluating projects across six key areas, the ratings bring greater transparency and objective evaluation to carbon markets through a consistent, project-specific framework. For the Bessey Family Forest IFM Project, the assessment offers additional insight into the project’s governance, management approach, and the factors that support its long-term climate, environmental, and social outcomes. 

“Receiving this excellent rating is a validation of our sustainable forest management practices,” said Ethan Bessey, Landowner.  “It has always been our goal to have a forest carbon project that is exceptional in quality and integrity.  This rating is a testament to four generations of our family practicing good stewardship and leaving the land better than we found it.  This recognition reinforces our commitment to responsible stewardship and the communities that depend on healthy forests.” 

“Third-party ratings such as MSCI Carbon Project Ratings help buyers navigate the voluntary carbon market with greater confidence,” said Dylan Jenkins, Vice President of Commercial Operations. “We are proud to see that the Bessey Family Forest IFM Project was recognized as a leading IFM project for co-benefits, legal and ethical performance, and delivery risk. These results demonstrate the project’s commitment to sustainable forest management, biodiversity protection, and lasting climate benefits.” 

Key assessment results include: 

• Received a BBB rating. 
• Ranked among the top 10% of assessed IFM projects.
• Top 10% for co-benefits among ranked IFM projects, with the assessment recognizing strong biodiversity, employment, and community outcomes.
• Top 10% for legal and ethical performance among ranked IFM projects, recognizing the project’s strong governance framework and low-risk operating environment.
• Top 10% for delivery risk among ranked IFM projects, supported by secure land tenure, low political and natural risks, and a strong implementation track record.

The MSCI assessment highlights the project’s strong governance, operational performance, and capacity to deliver meaningful climate, biodiversity, and community benefits over time. For buyers, the project’s top 10% rankings across key categories provide additional confidence in the durability and quality of its carbon credits. 

About the Project 

The Bessey Family Forest IFM Project covers more than 22,000 acres of forestland in central Maine and has been owned and managed by the Bessey family since 1932, spanning four generations of stewardship. The forest contains a diverse mix of mature hardwood and softwood species and is managed in accordance with the American Carbon Registry’s (ACR) IFM methodology. Its forest management practices are also third-party certified through the American Tree Farm System. 

By using selection harvesting and sustainable forest management, the project helps maintain high carbon levels while supporting healthy, diverse forests. These efforts improve wildlife habitat, protect sensitive areas, and encourage natural regeneration. Managed with a long-term focus on forest health and future productivity, the project supports Maine’s rural economy through sustainable timber production and local forestry jobs. In addition, the forest serves as a valuable community resource, offering opportunities for hiking, hunting, snowshoeing, and canoeing, while also supporting environmental education and outdoor recreation.  

About Finite Carbon    

Finite is a leading developer and supplier of forest carbon credits in North America. The company partners with landowners to deliver natural climate solutions and bring high-quality carbon credits to market. Since 2009, Finite has developed over 60 forest carbon projects covering 4 million acres in both the voluntary and compliance markets. To date, the company has developed and transacted over 100 million offsets, representing over $1 billion in revenue to forest landowners. The company’s primary mission is to protect and restore forests, promote biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. These efforts also provide co-benefits, including clean air and water, wildlife habitat, and forest jobs, while leaving an enduring legacy for current and future generations. 

For more information on our portfolio of high-quality forest carbon projects, visit finitecarbon.com or marketplace.finitecarbon.com.   

To learn more about the Bessey Family Forest IFM Project and its MSCI Carbon Project Rating assessment, contact Finite Carbon.