NativState Buys Neeley Forestry, Now Manages 800,000 Acres for Carbon Credits

NativState, a Conway-based carbon credits company, has acquired Neeley Forestry Service of Camden, adding about 200,000 acres to bring its total managed forestland to 800,000 acres. Founder Stuart Allen says the company is adding roughly 20,000 acres per month and aims to reach one million acres soon. The deal keeps Neeley's entire team and gives NativState a major office in Arkansas timber country. The acquisition supports NativState's model of 40-year management agreements with landowners. The company generates income through improved forest management, strategic timber harvests, and carbon credit programs. Allen says landowners only get paid when the company also makes money. He defended the credibility of U.S. carbon markets, noting that projects face multiple layers of verification and oversight, unlike some developing market projects that have faced criticism for over-crediting.