Creative wood energy grants help rural Alaska communities and forests alike

ALASKA—From converting whole towns to sustainable biomass energy to reducing insect-infested debris in the forest, the Alaska Wood Energy program continues to be a resounding success.

Since its start in 2015, the program has directly funded 14 wood utilization and energy projects and anticipates funding more as this fiscal year’s call for applications launches in celebration of National Forest Products Week.

The program offers technical and financial support for innovative wood projects to include wood heating systems, wood energy, engineered wood products and mill operation and maintenance.

As the program grows, the number of grants awarded each year has increased as well. In 2021, three Alaska-based organizations received grant funding to improve affordable housing and heating options in rural Alaska. In comparison, in 2015, only one organization received a grant.

“As the program matures, we are seeing more unique and creative ideas too,” said Dr. Priscilla Morris, the wood biomass and stewardship coordinator for the Alaska Region. “Watching communities and the forests mutually benefit from the program really excites me. I’m curious to see what ideas the next round of applications will include.”

In recent years, the Alaska Region has seen an increase in proposals using:

• biochar production
• dimensional lumber products
• advanced processing of forest residual products for heat and energy

Markets for economically viable forest products as well as residual woody materials influence increased sustainable forest management practices that help reduce the risk of wildfire and improve forest regeneration and wildlife habitat.

Partnerships have been a key part of project successes. To view Alaska Wood Energy program partners and more information, visit: https://www.alaskawoodenergy.com/about.

Carrying a twofold benefit to both communities and forests, the program continues onward and upward.

Where this page came from

This page was imported from USDA Forest Service. Published by the USDA Forest Service and, as a work of the United States government, in the public domain; pictures credited elsewhere are left out.

Nobody has written it yet — it is the source material at a new address, which is why search engines are asked to skip it and why no one earns from it. It is up for grabs: take it on, and it is yours to rewrite and to earn from.