USDA to invest in expanding wood energy markets

The USDA has announced it will invest up to $7 million in grants for projects designed to expand wood products and wood energy markets that support sustainable forest management, especially in areas with high wildfire risk. The grants will be made available in through the U.S. Forest Service’s Wood Innovations Program.  According to the request for proposals (RFP) published to the Wood Education and Resource Center website, proposals must be submitted by Jan. 23. Applicants are scheduled to be notified of the results in mid-April, with awards made in early July.  The RFP focuses on three main priorities. The first is to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health on National Forest System and other forest lands. The second is to reduce the costs of forest management on all types of land, while the third is to promote the economic and environmental health of communities.