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.

The draft RRA for the US National Forest System is available.

Comments may be submitted via the following methods:

Consultation begins as of 12 November 2024, and consultation will close on 13 December 2024.  All relevant comments received during the 30-day consultation period will be recorded and considered.

Submitted comments will be published in the summary of comments unless confidentiality is requested. Names and contact information (i.e., email addresses ) will not be published. 

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