Publications - Forest Concepts

A Wood-Strand Material for Wind Erosion Control: Effects on Total Sediment Loss

March 4, 2008 / Erosion Control, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Publications, WoodStraw

Abstract Fugitive dust from eroding land poses risks to environmental quality and human health, and thus, is regulated nationally based on ambient air quality standards for particulate matter with mean aerodynamic diameter <= 10 µm (PM10) established in the Clean Air Act. Agricultural straw has been widely used for rainfall-induced erosion control; however, its performance […]

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Engineering Factors for Biomass Baler Design

June 20, 2007 / Baling, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Publications

Abstract Woody biomass is a core element of our nation’s strategy to replace imported oil and natural gas with renewable resources. The challenge facing potential biomass users, however, is how to economically recover and transport the material from residential neighborhoods, urban centers and suburban landscapes to distant users. Our preferred solution is to bale the

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Agriculture Straw versus WoodStraw, Wind Mobility

Evaluating Material Properties to Optimize Wood Strands for Wind Erosion Control

July 12, 2006 / Publications, Erosion Control, Forest Concepts Research & Development, WoodStraw

Abstract Wind erosion is a widespread problem in much of the western United States due to arid conditions and persistent winds. Fugitive dust from eroding land poses a risk to both environmental quality and human health. Since the advent of the Clean Air Act in 1971, ambient air quality standards have been set regulating particulate

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Large Rectangular Bales for Woody Biomass

July 11, 2006 / Baling, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Publications

Abstract Woody biomass from wildfire prevention and forest health improvement projects is a significant source of feedstock for bio refineries, combustion energy facilities and other value-added uses. Baling into large rectangular bales offers increased bulk density and easier handling for local and long-distance transportation. By preserving large piece sizes, value potential is maximized. We conducted

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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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Performance and Assessment of Wood-Strand Erosion Control Materials Among Varying Slopes, Soil Textures, and Cover Amounts

March 31, 2006 / Erosion Control, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Publications, WoodStraw

Abstract Two blends of manufactured wood strands with different lengths were tested for effectiveness in controlling erosion. Wood strand blends were tested on two soils, two slopes, and at three coverage amounts. Laboratory rainfall simulations were conducted to evaluate runoff and sediment loss. Wood strands were effective in delaying runoff, reducing runoff volume, and reducing

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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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