Biomass Utilization in the Sierra-Cascade

Forest restoration efforts produce large quantities of small-diameter trees, brush, and branches that must be removed for ecological purposes, public safety, and to reduce fuel for wildfires.

Currently, most of the woody material produced by these projects, and nearly all slash created by commercial timber operations, is piled and burned in the forest. This biomass is a largely untapped resource. It can produce alternative wood products and bioenergy to offset the cost of restoration projects, and it produces less greenhouse gas emissions compared to pile burning.

Additional wood- and biomass-processing infrastructure in the Sierra-Cascade is needed to increase the pace and scale of restoration activities, which also creates jobs and opportunities for economic development.

Read more about biomass utilization in the Sierra-Cascade.