The Forest Operations and Biomass Utilization program at ERI focuses on improving the overall economics of restoration treatments through improving operational efficiency and increasing wood and biomass utilization. This spring, ERI staff are working on several important projects funded through a variety of grants:
- Forest Operations Training Center. With funding assistance from the US Economic Development Administration and the US Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant Program, the ERI was able to expand its team to include a graduate research assistant and research associate. Currently, a master’s research project is being developed to use forestry equipment simulators to train operators. In addition, a development plan for the training center is in progress in cooperation with Coconino County and Coconino Community College.
- Railroad transportation project. Railroad transportation could allow forest restoration byproducts from the Southwest to access faraway markets (>500 miles), thus increasing their value. However, it is a challenge to find railroad sidings with adequate infrastructure and with good access to public lands in need of restoration. This project develops an approach, using public data, to identify and assess such sidings across the Southwest.
- Forestry contractor survey. A survey of logging, mastication, and trucking contractors was sent out in late 2020. The goals of the survey were to provide information to help develop the Forest Operations Training Center, and to gain an idea of the capacity and challenges of those in the forest contracting business. Overall, 67 responses to the survey were received, follow-ups were made to the non-respondents, and results are currently being analyzed.
- SWERI Wood Utilization Team Webinar. The SWERI Wood Utilization Team, funded through a grant from the US Forest Service, delivered a webinar in early March 2021. The goal was to expand the forest industry in the Southwest to the scale necessary for current forest health issues. Overall, 220 people attended the webinar over a day and a half, and recordings of the presentations are available on the ERI website.
