Winston County Natural Resources Council: National Forest Products Week

 It’s National Forest Products Week!  Learn more about the Presidential Proclamation here.

The US Forest Service opened the 2024 application period for three wood innovation grants.  To learn more please visit: Wood Innovations – US Forest Service.

(Photo credit: US Forest Service)

The Wood Innovations Grant has funds to support projects that will substantially expand and accelerate wood products and wood energy markets throughout the United States.  The intent is to stimulate, expand, and support U.S. wood products and wood energy markets to support long-term management of National Forest System and other forest lands while enhancing the economic and environmental health of communities.

The Community Wood Grant Program has funds to install a thermally led community wood energy system or build or expand an innovative wood product facility. This grant program supports forest health and stimulates local economies by expanding renewable wood energy use and innovative wood products manufacturing capacity. 

The Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance Program has funds to facilities that purchase and process byproducts from ecosystem restoration projects in areas at risk of unnaturally severe wildfire or insect or disease infestation.  The intent is to substantially decrease the cost of conducting restoration projects involving vegetation removal on federal and Tribal lands and expand industry use.. These ecosystem restoration byproducts could include trees and woody biomass harvested through timber sales, thinning, hazardous fuels reduction treatments, or other restoration management activities.

Eligibility for these grants vary, but some do include for-profit entities.  Visit the website full details.