Ecosystem Workforce Program, Institute for a Sustainable Environment, University of Oregon
Abstract
2 pagesUtilizing woody biomass from hazardous fuels reduction projects may make forest restoration
more cost effective while creating local economic benefits. However, there is a lack of evidence
about how projects can be designed for these outcomes. Wallowa Resources and the Wallowa-
Whitman National Forest (WWNF) partnered to test if mechanical treatment with biomass utilization was
cost effective in comparison to hand thinning, piling, and burning using a hazardous fuels reduction
project called Reservoir Biomass. We studied the benefits and challenges of this approach.This briefing paper was made possible with funding from the US Endowment for Forestry and Communities and USDA Rural
Development
