A New York City-based company specializing in carbon capture projects has made a significant land acquisition in Clark County, Arkansas, and secured $400 million in financing for its local operations. The transactions signal a major investment in developing forests for carbon removal credits in the region.
Key Takeaways
- CC Project SPV LLC, identified as Chestnut Carbon of Manhattan, purchased 278 acres in Clark County for $945,030.
- The company secured two mortgages totaling $400 million through Wilmington Trust for its Clark County properties.
- Chestnut Carbon's business model involves developing new forests on pasture and crop lands to generate carbon removal credits.
- The firm has expanded its holdings in Clark County to over 1,800 acres and is active in at least nine other Arkansas counties.
Significant Land Purchase in Clark County
According to public records from Clark County, a recent real estate transaction highlights a growing trend of corporate investment in rural land. CC Project SPV LLC, a company with an address at 15 Little West 12th Street in Manhattan, purchased 277.95 acres of pasture land for $945,030.
The property is located next to Copeland Ridge Road and west of Hasley Road. The sellers were identified as Jeremy and Megan Allen of Bismarck, Arkansas.
The Buyer Identified as Chestnut Carbon
Further investigation reveals that the purchasing entity, CC Project SPV LLC, is associated with Chestnut Carbon. The company describes itself as a "nature-based carbon project developer delivering high-quality carbon removal credits."
Chestnut Carbon's primary mission is to work with clients pursuing net-zero emissions goals. It achieves this through its Sustainable Restoration Project, which focuses on converting marginal crop and pasture lands into new forests across the United States. This process, known as afforestation, is designed to capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide.
What Are Carbon Credits?
Carbon credits are measurable, verifiable permits that allow the owner to emit one ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) or an equivalent amount of another greenhouse gas. Companies can buy these credits to offset their own emissions. Projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere, such as planting new forests, can generate these credits for sale.
A Massive $400 Million Financing Deal
Alongside the land acquisition, public records show that CC Project SPV LLC has secured substantial financing. The company obtained two separate mortgages totaling $400 million for two of its sites within Clark County.
The financing was arranged through Wilmington Trust, a leader in corporate and institutional trust services. This level of financial commitment underscores the scale and long-term nature of Chestnut Carbon's planned projects in the area. Such large-scale financing is typically used to fund extensive development, infrastructure, and operational costs over many years.
Expanding Footprint Across Arkansas
The recent purchase is part of a broader strategy of land acquisition by Chestnut Carbon in Arkansas. The company's total holdings in Clark County now exceed 1,800 acres. Many of these properties were acquired earlier in the year through quitclaim deeds.
The firm's largest parcels in the county are situated between the North Boat Ditch and South Boat Ditch near Curtis, and another large tract is located near Boswell Lake, northeast of Okolona. Chestnut Carbon's website also lists projects in several other Arkansas counties, including:
- Nevada
- Randolph
- Conway
- Jefferson
- Yell
- Scott
- Sevier
- Perry
- Cleveland
This widespread presence indicates a coordinated, statewide effort to establish a significant portfolio of carbon-capture forests.
Clark County Land Holdings
Chestnut Carbon's acquisitions in Clark County now total more than 1,800 acres, making it a significant landowner with a focus on environmental projects rather than traditional agriculture or development.
Other Notable Clark County Real Estate Sales
While the Chestnut Carbon transaction was the largest in value, the period from August 16-31, 2025, saw several other significant property sales in Clark County valued at $100,000 or more. These sales reflect a dynamic local market with notable increases in property values.
Residential Property Transactions
Several homes in Arkadelphia and the surrounding areas changed hands, with many showing considerable appreciation since their last sale.
- DeGray Road: A 1,892-square-foot home on 5.73 acres was sold for $295,000 by Daniel Lowe to Austin Prichard. The property was previously purchased in 2021 for $228,000.
- Somersett Drive: Austin Prichard sold a 1,606-square-foot home for $220,000 to Kara and Dylan Walker. Prichard had purchased this residence in 2021 for $139,000, representing a significant return on investment.
- South 26th Street: Eric and Latosha Hudnall bought a 1,436-square-foot home for $190,000 from Jacob West, who had acquired it earlier in 2024 for $182,000.
- North Elm Street, Gurdon: A 1,902-square-foot home on 5.2 acres sold for $175,000. The sellers, Ryan and Alexandria Brown, had bought the property in 2021 for just $50,000.
- Pine Manor Drive: A 1,543-square-foot brick home was purchased by Glenda Bradley for $169,900. It last sold in 2022 for $138,000.
Land and Other Properties
Transactions also included timberland and properties outside of Arkadelphia's main residential areas.
Tony Bell transferred 44.37 acres of timberland near Mt. Zion Road to Oak Hill Valley Trust for $199,665. In a separate transaction, a manufactured home on 5.39 acres on Mosley Road was sold for $150,000.
The data from these transactions is gathered from public records held by the Clark County Circuit Clerk and online real estate databases. Prices can reflect various factors, including property improvements made by sellers.
Finally, a half-acre property with a small dwelling on Ferry Camp Road, located on the Ouachita River, was sold for $100,000. The property was last sold in 1999 for $25,000, illustrating the long-term appreciation of riverfront real estate in the area.
