USDA Forest Service Solicitation for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program

On September 11, 2008, the Department of Agriculture announced that they will provide up to $4 million in grants for proposals that increase the use of woody biomass from National Forest Service System lands, withindividual grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 for up to three years. The program is intended to “improve forest restoration activities by using and creating markets for small-diameter materialand low-valued trees removed from forest restoration activities.” The grants are intended to be used by small businesses, communities, or entrepreneurs to turn forest residue into marketable forest products.

Pre-Application postmark deadline is Novermber 7, 2008. Final Application deadline isFebruary 13, 2009.  Applications must be mailed to: ATTN: Patricia Brumm, Grants and Agreements Specialist, Forest Products Laboratory,One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, WI 53726– 2398.

Federal Register Notice (.pdf format)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 11, 2008

Department of Agriculture Solicits Proposals for Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Programs

WASHINGTON,DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (DOA) today announced a request for proposals for programs to improve the utilization of woody biomass residue from forest restoration activities. The DOA plans to make at least $4 million in grants available to winning proposals, with individual grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Winning proposals must improve the use of woody biomass from forest restoration activities by using or creating markets for low-value trees and other residue from hazardous fuel use, handling insect and diseased conditions, or treating forestlands impacted by severe weather.

The goal of the Woody Biomass Utilization Programs is to improve forest management procedures by finding uses for low-value woody biomass residue. It will do this by: cutting costs by finding value for biomass residue, creating incentive and lowering business risk for those involved with woody biomass, increasing infrastructure in the industry around national forest lands, lower economic barriers to the use of woody biomass, and creating renewable energy from low-value residue.

Pre-applications must be postmarked no later than November 7, 2008. After a pre-screening, selected proposals will be invited to submit a full application for review no later than February 13, 2009. Eligible applicants are Tribal, State, or local school districts, governments,communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, companies,corporations, or special-purpose districts. Applicants must match at least 20% of the total project cost. The applications will be judged on four criteria: impact on national forest system forest restoration activities, the technical approach to the work plan, the financial feasibility of the proposal, and the experience and qualification of the applicant. Winning proposals must demonstrate no technical or financial problems as well as a real and measurable impact on forest restoration activities.