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 …
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 …
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 …
Appropriate Technology Biomass Collection and Handling Systems for Smallwood Utilization Read More »
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 …
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 …
Best Value Contracting for Wood Based Watershed Improvement Materials Read More »
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 …
Big Markets, Bigger Frustrations: Commercialization of Smallwood Products Read More »
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 …
Comparison of Erosion Reduction Between Wood Strands and Agricultural Straw Read More »
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 …
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 …
Rural Economic Development through Integrated Smallwood Forest Products Centers Read More »
Abstract The FlowCheck™ hillslope erosion control structure was developed to make it easier to accomplish erosion control on burned-over lands, graded slopes and other disturbed areas. The scientific basis for sediment storage behind wood hillslope structures was developed by the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. Forest Concepts, LLC combined the best available science …
Design and Application of Manufactured All-wood Hillslope Erosion Control Structures Read More »
