Linking Federal Forest Restoration with Wood Utilization: Modeling Biomass Prices and Analyzing Forest Restoration Costs in the Northern Sierra Nevada

Over half of California’s forestland is managed by the US Forest Service, and agency has identified a need to scale up forest restoration treatments in state one million acres per year 2025. However, high costs mechanical fuel reduction lack markets for biomass pose significant barriers accomplishing this target. The objectives case study were: (1) identify on federally-managed land Northern Sierra under variety harvesting scenarios haul distances facilities, (2) understand what market prices must be offered support such efforts. We modeled silvicultural prescription options, machine productivity costs, transportation assess economic thresholds. Biomass harvest, chip, ranged from $55/bone dry ton $118/bone ton, depending system scenario distance disposal site. Results suggest that cost far exceeds current biomass, additional investment needed adequately pay federal California. Additional takeaways include outlets closer supply sources can reduce both production local wood utilization campuses play key role supporting restoration.