Request For Interest

This Request for Interest (RFI) explores innovative, scalable financing solutions for restoring Western Rangelands impacted by invasive annual grasses. By leveraging cutting-edge environmental market mechanisms, the Restoring Rangeland Resilience (R3) initiative aims to transform both the economics and ecology of these critical landscapes.

Background

R3 is a collaborative initiative driving the adoption of science-based solutions to enhance rangeland productivity and ecological health. By demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of rangeland resilience, R3 addresses urgent threats to U.S. livestock production, rural economies, and Western ecosystems.

A key solution under consideration is Rejuvra®, which not only doubles desirable forage at approximately $80/acre but also offers carbon benefits, creating an opportunity to integrate climate mitigation with American beef production. This approach has the potential to deliver broad benefits to producers, consumers, ecosystems, and economies.

Key Objectives

This RFI seeks:

1. Technical Feedback: Insights on R3's methods for quantifying ecosystem impacts.

2. Partnership Opportunities: Support for the initial development of the R3 program, including cost-sharing and pilot applications.

Goals for 2025 & Beyond

• Strengthen the scientific foundation for high-integrity environmental outcomes, including carbon-related benefits.

• Launch pilot projects to demonstrate Rejuvra®'s impact.

• Scale the program across Western rangelands by 2025.

Benefits for Early Sponsors

Sponsors will shape project design, influence measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification (MMRV) requirements, and secure long-term benefits such as carbon offtake privileges. With an estimated carbon price of $30/tCO₂e, this approach could cover up to 50% of the treatment costs while driving progress in carbon mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

The Ask

To gather valuable insights and assess the feasibility of scaling rangeland restoration with Rejuvra® treatments, we are seeking responses to the following critical questions:

1. Carbon Market Feasibility: Considering the challenges of modeling carbon in Western Rangelands, are carbon markets a viable tool for financing and cost-sharing rangeland restoration efforts at scale?

   • If so, what are the opportunities and limitations?

   • If not, why are they impractical?

2. Alternative Financing: What alternative financing pathways could realistically support rangeland restoration in the next 1-3 years?

3. Carbon Pricing: How should avoided emissions in rangeland be priced compared to current carbon removal efforts in these areas?

4. Public Sector Role: Given Rejuvra®’s potential for wildfire prevention and water quality improvement, what role should public institutions (e.g., BLM, USFS, FEMA, regional governments) play in financing it?

5. Rancher Responsibility: How much of the financial burden should ranchers bear to maintain their livelihoods and support local economies?

6. Carbon Accounting Standards: How should claims related to avoided emissions in rangelands be viewed under leading carbon accounting frameworks, such as the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP)?

Who Should Respond?

We invite responses from:

• Ranchers and land managers

• Environmental organizations

• Industry stakeholders

• Carbon market experts

• Public institutions

Each partner will play a vital role in shaping and scaling this initiative.

Next Steps

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses to this RFI by January 13th. Your insights will help drive the restoration and resilience of Western Rangelands and ensure the success of this transformative initiative.

For responses to this RFI or additional information, please email: [e-mail]