Woody Biomass Utilization

Woody biomass in forests is a huge potential resource in California. Many forests are at great risk of wildfire or disease due to interruptions in the natural fire cycle. Ecological restoration and fuels reduction projects create large volumes of woody biomass. This material is often burnt in piles in the forest when it could be used to make products or energy. Woody biomass utilization offers land managers an opportunity to dispose of material in a cost effective manner and reduce emissions while creating local economic development.

Technical Assistance. The UC Woody Biomass Utilization Group provides technical assistance to businesses, non-profits, tribes, state and federal government staff. The technical assistance helps people to understand technology, markets and grant opportunities for woody biomass. The group helped more than 100 individuals and organizations between 2006 and 2010. This has led to more effective decision-making and new investments on the ground in California.

Workshops. The group holds workshops across the state on topics related to woody biomass utilization. Topics included woody biomass resources, biomass utilization technologies, markets, grant opportunities, stewardship contracting and many others.  Workshops are usually locally focused and often include field tours.

Grants. The UC Woody Biomass Utilization Group has worked with many applicants to the Forest Service Woody Biomass Utilization grant program.  Between 2007 and 2010 we helped 15 small businesses, non-profits and tribes to secure over $4.4m though this program.  Equipment purchased included woody biomass harvesting and processing equipment.  The result is an increased infrastructure in California to process and add value to woody biomass from National Forest System lands.  Check out our Grants pages for information on this and other programs.

The Woody Biomass Utilization Group website features a frequently updated blog and a Twitter feed.