Sourcing Biomass Feedstock from US National Forests
The Endowment, in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service (USFS) and the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP), has commissioned a comprehensive evaluation process with the goal of supporting biomass markets for wood sourced from U.S. National Forests in the contiguous forty-eight states. SBP is an international biomass certification system that uses a procurement and traceability standard to assure that biomass is sourced from legal and sustainable sources. Access to markets for low-value biomass feedstock can facilitate forest ecosystem restoration projects, including fire resiliency treatments, as well as contribute to the socio-economic vitality of rural, forest-dependent communities.
To complete this work, INCOS Stratégies and Cambium Consulting LLC, with support from Dovetail Partners, will conduct a formal Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) in accordance with SBP standards and procedures. The SBP RRA process uses a structured, and data-driven methodology to identify and assess social, environmental, and economic risks (if any) associated with sourcing biomass feedstock directly from US National Forests in the contiguous forty-eight states. The SBP RRA for U.S. National Forests evaluates the alignment between the implementation of the USFS forest management framework and the requirements of SBP Standard 1: Feedstock Compliance. The results of the RRA have been compiled in a draft report detailing findings and conclusions associated with forty-two indicators addressing legality, environmental protections, stewardship of forest carbon stocks, and benefits for people and communities.
The draft RRA report was made publicly available for a 30-day comment period in November of 2024. All comments received during the public consultation will be reviewed and considered by the appointed Working Body in preparing a final draft RRA report for submission to the SBP Secretariat. Pending formal endorsement by SBP, a final version of the RRA report will be published and available to the public. An SBP-endorsed RRA would enable US biomass producers (i.e., wood pellet mills) to source feedstock from National Forests in the contiguous forty-eight states that meets international standards for sustainability, and thereby enhance access to expanding global markets for alternative energy sources.
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