Alaska Wood Utilization Research and Development Center
Legacy
The Alaska Wood Utilization Research and Development Center (AWURDC) was established in 1999 to “unify and enhance opportunities for economic assistance to workers, families, businesses, and communities affected by the changing timber industry in Southeast Alaska" (former Department of Agriculture Secretary, Dan Glickman). AWURDC provides research, tools, and new ideas for improving economic growth in southeast Alaska communities.
Facilities Information
The Center is co-located with Tongass National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Sitka, Alaska.
Address
11175 Auke Lake Way
Juneau, AK 99801
Voice: 907-586-8811
Science
Research highlights include exploring feasibility of using wood for power generation, optimizing kiln-drying methods, and work to create a durable wood products industry in Alaska. Wood products research ranges from consumer preferences for consumer goods to supply chain dynamics and wood energy markets.
Teams
The AWURDC sit on Ecosystem Services team. A joint AWURDC/Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials project examines the economic and life-cycle aspects of renewable and non-renewable energy products. The Center frequently teams with Tongass National Forest.
Contribution
The AWURDC has generated research addressing:
- Economically feasible biomass fuels
- Economic development assistance
- New grading rules for Alaska lumber
- New markets for low-grade hardwood logs
- Improved dry kiln operations and other processing methods
- Technical assistance
- Timber demand estimates
- Trends in sawmill capacity Wood preservation techniques