The U.S. Forest Service awarded $105.5 million to 177 projects intended to expand wood manufacturing, improve operational efficiency and create markets for material removed through forest management. The projects span 44 states and the District of Columbia.
The grants include $31 million for 113 wood innovation projects, $17 million for 23 community wood projects and $57 million for 41 wood products infrastructure assistance projects.
Recipients will use the funding to expand manufacturing capacity, develop wood and energy infrastructure and retain or create rural jobs. The projects will also provide economic opportunities for forest products businesses near federal and tribal lands.
The investments target gaps in markets for low-value wood, small-diameter trees and byproducts from forest restoration. Funded companies and organizations will develop technologies, products, business models and training intended to create buyers for those materials.
Active forest management includes timber harvesting and the removal of dry vegetation and other material that can fuel wildfires. Wood processors can convert this material into commercial products and energy while creating demand for forest-management byproducts.
The funding follows a federal order to expand U.S. timber production and direction to increase active management of national forests. The programs aim to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risks and increase the use of small-diameter timber and woody biomass.