Why Moonrise Crystals is Funding Grassland Ecosystem Restoration
To oppose the environmental effects of coal mining
Moonrise Crystals is located in the USA and many of our healing crystals are mined here as well. The United States is a country divided on the topic of climate change as well as energy and resource management. The policies of the Trump administration are pro-mining, but mining is not ethical if it ignores long-term environmental and social impacts, in favor of short-term profits. In June 2025, Bull Mountain Coal Mine in Montana was given approval to expand its production by more than 50 million tons of coal, mined on both federal and non-federal lands. No environmental impact statement was provided nor was there opportunity for public comment, instead a “national energy emergency” was cited as justification. However, this coal will be sold abroad, mainly to Japan and South Korea, rather than used domestically. This coal mine has already had a measurable negative impact on the environment and local people. In response, Moonrise Crystals selected this regenerative grazing project because of its measurable positive impacts on that same region and community. We have partnered with Native for our carbon credit investing.
This project meets 4 of the United Nations Sustainability Goals:
About this Project
This project is a soil regeneration and carbon removal program in the grasslands of Montana. It delivers verifiable and measurable soil carbon sequestering. It serves the dual purpose of providing a natural carbon sink and restoring the grasslands natural ecosystem. This project was designed and funded by Native, partnering with Western Sustainability Exchange and environmentally-conscious cattle ranchers.
Verification
Verified using the Verra VM0026 program which is a methodology for sustainable grassland management. Verra is a global leader non-profit, third-party certification that develops and manages high-impact climate, sustainable development and environmental projects. It’s provides industry-leading methodologies and comprehensive frameworks for effective and scalable solutions to address climate change.
Environmental Impact
This project will help to restore the ecosystem of the Great Northern Grasslands and provide a carbon sink to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Grasslands are a more powerful carbon sink than forests. The North American grasslands evolved to sustain massive migratory herds of bison and the grasses were grazed for only a short period with high intensity. As the herds moved on, the land rested and recovered. Unfortunately, over the past two centuries, cattle ranchers have overgrazed the grasslands. This problem can be easily reversed by increasing the number of small pastures and livestock rotations.
Social Impact
This project was initiated by Montana ranchers. Many of these ranches are small family-owned and operated businesses that have been passed down for multiple generations. Cattle ranching in semi-arid grasslands is a business with thin margins, and so large-scale improvements are often unaffordable without outside investment. The ranchers worked with Native to get that upfront funding for fences, water infrastructure, and educational resources. Investors like Moonrise Crystals help to recoup that initial cost so that the project can be expanded throughout the Great Northern Plains.
