Forest Concepts Research & Development

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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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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Comparison of Erosion Reduction Between Wood Strands and Agricultural Straw

May 15, 2003 / Erosion Control, Forest Concepts Research & Development, Publications

Abstract Agricultural straw is widely used as an erosion mitigation measure on disturbed soils. It has several drawbacks, however, which include increasing intrinsic value, increasing transportation costs, weed source, pesticide residues, and dust. An alternative is wood strands manufactured from small diameter timber or low-value veneer. A study to determine the efficacy of wood strands

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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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