California tree die-off could help bring new life to rural economies

By Nadine Ono
California Economic Summit
November 7, 2017
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: United States, US West

Trees in California’s forests are dying at alarming rates, creating both problems and opportunities for rural communities and local economies with deep roots in the timber industry. The California Natural Resources Agency in mid-October issued a set of recommendations on how to make better use of dead or dying trees, while promoting long-term forest health, carbon sequestration and rural economic development. The agency’s report is the latest in a growing effort to define and promote a new generation of forest-products that goes beyond traditional lumber to capture and emerging “biomass” industry.The report, “Recommendations to Expand Wood Products Markets in California” outlines actions, policies and pilot programs to encourage the use of biomass. …“There is a critical need to bolster our biomass processing capacity and expand uses for wood products…” California Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird said.

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