Technical Support

Multiple agencies, organizations and community groups are working to improve the utilization of forest biomass in California. Groups we regularly collaborate with include the Biomass Working Group, Statewide Wood Energy Team, USFS Region 5 State and Private Forestry, and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Learn more about these organizations below.

Biomass Working Group

The Biomass Working Group (BWG) is an organization comprised of representatives from public, private and nonprofit sectors with a common interest in woody biomass issues in California. The BWG is an ad-hoc group comprised of high-level agency, NGO, industry, and research institution representatives. The group meets monthly to inform members on current policy issues and technical developments related to forestry and bioenergy.

Statewide Wood Energy Team 

The Statewide Wood Energy Team (SWET) is a subgroup of the BWG involved with developing tools and funding resources to assist users with SB1122 implementation. The Woody Biomass Utilization Group participates in regular meetings and is directly involved with SWET which is a subcommittee of the BWG. In this role group members evaluate proposals for the SWET Grant Program and provide assistance to applicants developing proposals.

US Forest Service Region 5 State & Private Forestry The US Forest Service Region 5 State & Private Forestry provides some funding assistance to the Woody Biomass Utilization Group and is actively engaged in providing grants and technical assistance. Visit our current grants page for more information.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection The Woody Biomass Utilization Group receives some funding and support from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). Through the California Climate Investments (CCI) and other grants programs, CalFire funds projects focused on forest health, urban & community forestry, and fire prevention. This includes hazardous fuels reduction, fire prevention, and efforts to increase biomass facilities and bioenergy production.

California Climate Investments CCI is a statewide initiative utilizing funds from the cap-and-trade program to mitigate climate change through investments in areas including renewable energy, public transportation, environmental restoration, sustainable agriculture, and affordable housing. The CCI program is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment while improving the economy and public health, with disadvantaged and low-income communities as the priority.

Community Biomass Groups

Community Biomass Groups range from grassroots efforts to funded organizations with professional facilitators from both nonprofits and government agencies. In all, they represent the growing interest in woody biomass utilization and have similar objectives of preserving or creating markets for woody biomass from forest health projects.

Use the table below to find local community efforts on woody biomass (view a map of biomass facilities here). Click on the name to be taken to their website or more information about the group or initiative. Relevant contact information and the counties or region that they serve are provided. If your group is not listed, please contact us.

Statewide Biomass Groups and Programs

In addition to the local groups listed above there are also organizations and assistance programs which operate on a larger scale and statewide level.