Biomass Collection Systems Design

Economic development in timber-dependent communities will require a local business shift from large logs to small diameter roundwood (smallwood) and bulk biomass feedstock to reflect the shifting resource on public and private timberlands. Small diameter roundwood and biomass need different hauling and handling methods to enable efficient transport of wood from forest thinning programs and labor-efficient handling at community-based forest products firms.

The challenge of biomass recovery is particularly daunting in the true wildland-urban interface of small ownerships, rural homes and country roads designed for light loads. Hand crews often thin such sites since great care must be taken not to damage leave trees, understory vegetation or soil. These highly visible areas will be what the public sees most when they explore the efficacy and environmental effects of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. Some of the material will be cut and scattered for ecological benefits, while the larger pieces will need to be removed from the site. Traditional log trucks are not appropriate for hauling mixed loads of smallwood from 4-feet to 16-feet long. Dump trucks and log trucks require that additional expensive wood-loading machinery be available on the work sites to load the trucks.

Forest Concepts' managers have smallwood and biomass collection experience dating back to the mid-1970s. We have evaluated and developed improved handling equipment and systems for major forest landowners and for woodlots. We know how to improve hand and machine thinning operations to capture more useful wood with less labor. We have experience with a range of equipment and wood-unitization methods. Our own smallwood bunks received an AE50 award for innovative new products by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Our self-loading smallwood trailer was designed to fit the needs of community-based thinning contractors.

Whether you are looking for an entirely new smallwood and biomass system or are trying to improve the productivity of what you've already got, we can help. We will assess your operations and develop recommendations in the context of your business, your community and your forestlands.