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Identifying potential locations for expanded, reactivated and new wood processing facilities

Status
Ongoing
A lumberyard with stacks of lumber.
Photo Credit
Adobe Stock image.

A lumberyard with stacks of lumber.

This research project aims to identify potential locations for expanded, reactivated and new wood processing facilities to support new and existing markets for wood materials generated from hazardous fuel treatments for eight High-Risk Landscapes within Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The Forest Products Laboratory will lead the project with the technical and advisory support from the scientists and specialists from the Pacific Northwest Research Station, Rocky Mountain Research Station, National Forest System, and State, Private and Tribal Forestry. The project will be executed through a joint-venture agreement between the Forest Products Laboratory and the University of Idaho and Michigan State University. 

Expected Outcomes

  • Identification of extant markets and the potential to merchandise wood products at different levels of delivered wood products prices
  • Quantification, characterization, and projections of wood materials likely to be removed from the 8 Priority Investment Landscapes from harvests and fuel reduction treatments
  • Identification and ranking of fire sheds that would minimize the cost of removals and maximize the fuel treatment acreage based on the balance between identified merchandising opportunities and resource availability
  • Identification of lowest cost-optimal locations for new, reopened, retrofitted, expanded or improved facilities and profitability gaps any of these facilities might experience operating in close proximity to units of federal land within the Priority Investment Landscapes
  • Estimates of contribution of expanded fuel reduction treatment activities within the Priority Investment Landscapes on rural economies including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), value added, employment, and income

Geographies and High-Risk Landscapes to be Addressed

Eight high-risk landscapes within Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington

People

Principal Investigator

Collaborators

  • University of Idaho

  • Michigan State University

Last updated June 20, 2024
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