Forest biomass utilization in the Pacific Northwest: innovative research facilitates business success
| Authors: | David L. Nicholls, Rachel White |
| Year: | 2026 |
| Type: | General Technical Report |
| Station: | Pacific Northwest Research Station |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.2737/pnw-gtr-1043 |
| Source: | Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-GTR-1043. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 36 p. (Online Only). |
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station hosted a 2-day regional biomass workshop in May 2022, with the objective of reviewing recent developments, trends, and opportunities in biomass utilization. Day 1 focused on recent research, and Day 2 focused on biomass success stories from practitioners and business owners. About 120 attendees participated in this virtual event.
Effective biomass utilization—from forest residues, wood products residues, and thinned or sustainably harvested stands—is one tool that managers have to help mitigate wildfire risk. Biomass supplies, transportation chains, processing, and product marketing are gaining importance, while more efficient utilization of logging and wood products residues is becoming an imperative as smaller diameter logs receive greater utilization. Although the geographic focus of this workshop was the Pacific Northwest, many topics had relevance nationally, such as biochar production and use, biohub formation, wood residue utilization, and successful small business management. Presentations identified current barriers to commercial utilization so that businesses could use this information to achieve greater success, while also enabling sustainable forest stewardship and serving rural communities.