Habitats & Bioengineering - Forest Concepts

Interfacing Forest Engineering with Bioenergy Production

July 2, 2008 / Baling, Comminution, Forest Concepts Bioenergy, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications

Abstract Woody biomass from forestland, urban greenbelts, and residential areas has the potential to provide more than 150 million tons per year of cellulosic feedstocks for biorefineries, pellet fuels, and fermentation. Production sites range from urban lots to large wildland forest tracts. Destinations range from small urban boutiques to large remote industrial complexes. The systems, […]

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Healing in a Fire’s Aftermath

April 15, 2006 / Erosion Control, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, WoodStraw

Introduction According to the National Interagency Fire Center, each year for the last six years, an average of 78,000 wildfires have burned 1.7 million ha (4.3 million acres) in the United States. The human response to those fires varies greatly: some are left to burn themselves out, while others are suppressed with every resource available.

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Appropriate Technology Biomass Collection and Handling Systems for Smallwood Utilization

October 18, 2005 / Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, Siskin Ridge Roundwood

Abstract The continuum of forests and natural areas in need of fuel reduction thinning ranges from wilderness and working industrial forests to urban neighborhood greenbelts and overgrown residential lots. An object of this project is to characterize the problems associated with projects in the true wildland-urban intermix of residential lots to open spaces containing 20

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Field Performance of Long-Strand Wood Erosion Control Mulch and Agricultural Straw under Natural Rainfall Events

March 20, 2005 / Erosion Control, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, WoodStraw

Abstract Field plots were used to compare the performance of agricultural straw mulch with a new wood-based long strand erosion control material. Three studies were installed at two locations in western Washington and central California. Slopes ranged from 15% to over 50%. Soil types included gravelly sand and fine sandy loam. Each plot was approximately

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South Park Library Canopy with Roundwood

Best Value Contracting for Wood Based Watershed Improvement Materials

July 15, 2004 / Erosion Control, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, Siskin Ridge Roundwood

Abstract Forest Concepts, LLC is a federal contractor that is developing value-added uses for small diameter timber. Our objective is to create new jobs in rural communities through the manufacture and/or use of forest biomass that is a co-product of forest health and fuel reduction thinning programs. About the Publication Dooley, J.H. 2004. Best Value

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Big Markets, Bigger Frustrations: Commercialization of Smallwood Products

May 19, 2004 / Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, Siskin Ridge Roundwood

Abstract Untapped markets for value-added smallwood and minimally processed wood products exceed 100,000 tons per year (4,500 truckloads) in the western United States. Although the tonnage is modest compared to the total biomass from forest health thinnings, the contribution to community sustainability and system economics is large. Purchase of this volume of roundwood under stewardship

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Functional Requirements and Design Parameters for Restocking Coarse Woody Features in Restored and Enhanced Wetlands

March 27, 2003 / Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, Siskin Ridge Roundwood

Abstract For many years landowners, biologists, engineers and others removed large woody materials such as logs, rootwads and stumps from wetlands, floodplains, and streams of the western United States and Canada. By the early 1970’s scientists and engineers began to recognize the critical roles that wood plays in the life cycle of fish, amphibian, small

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Rural Economic Development through Integrated Smallwood Forest Products Centers

July 31, 2002 / Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, Siskin Ridge Roundwood

Abstract Forest Concepts led the development of a conceptual plan for a smallwood manufacturing center. The Cascade Forest Resources Center (CFRC) is envisioned to be a forest products business park housing 7-10 businesses on a common site. Businesses would include both natural resource service providers and manufacturers. Manufacturers would link to a common woodyard and

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Technical Products from Small Diameter Timber for Habitat Enhancement and Watershed Restoration

March 26, 2002 / Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, Siskin Ridge Roundwood

Abstract An under-appreciated outlet for small diameter roundwood is in watershed restoration, environmental, and habitat enhancement programs. Over $2 billion is spent in North America on habitat enhancement and watershed restoration each year. Of that amount, our estimate is that approximately $300 million is spent on materials that could be made from small diameter timber.

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Technical Background: Engineered Log Jams

December 31, 2001 / Forest Concepts Research & Development, Habitats & Bioengineering, Publications, Siskin Ridge Roundwood

Introduction Depletion and loss of functional large woody debris from streams and rivers of the Pacific Northwest is identified as a contributor to the decline in salmonid populations. Salmon, bull trout, steelhead and other fish are dependent on large woody debris (LWD) and channel morphology resulting from the presence of LWD for many of their

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