Creative wood energy grants help rural Alaska communities and forests alike

October 22, 2021

Log at a timber mill. — *A local mill allows for trees to be cut into usable materials in rural communities throughout Alaska. Photo courtesy Karen Petersen, Southeast Conference.*

ALASKA—From converting whole towns to sustainable biomass energy to reducing insect-infested debris in the forest, the Alaska Wood Energy program continues to be a resounding success.

Wood pellet-burning boiler at Alaska airport. — A wood pellet-burning boiler heats the Ketchikan Airport. This boiler is a highly efficient, low emission technology that is being used more and more across Alaska. Photo courtesy Karen Petersen, Southeast Conference.

Since its start in 2015, the program has directly funded 14 wood utilization and energy projects and anticipates funding more as this fiscal year’s call for applications launches in celebration of National Forest Products Week.

The program offers technical and financial support for innovative wood projects to include wood heating systems, wood energy, engineered wood products and mill operation and maintenance.

As the program grows, the number of grants awarded each year has increased as well. In 2021, three Alaska-based organizations received grant funding to improve affordable housing and heating options in rural Alaska. In comparison, in 2015, only one organization received a grant.

“As the program matures, we are seeing more unique and creative ideas too,” said Dr. Priscilla Morris, the wood biomass and stewardship coordinator for the Alaska Region. “Watching communities and the forests mutually benefit from the program really excites me. I’m curious to see what ideas the next round of applications will include.”

In recent years, the Alaska Region has seen an increase in proposals using:

Markets for economically viable forest products as well as residual woody materials influence increased sustainable forest management practices that help reduce the risk of wildfire and improve forest regeneration and wildlife habitat.

Partnerships have been a key part of project successes. To view Alaska Wood Energy program partners and more information, visit: https://www.alaskawoodenergy.com/about.

Carrying a twofold benefit to both communities and forests, the program continues onward and upward.

Residual timber from a mill. — Mill residuals seen here are often disposed of by open air burning. With a strong biomass market, mill owners can sell these residuals to biomass heating installations for extra revenue. Photo courtesy Karen Petersen, Southeast Conference.