USDA Forest Service awards Wood Innovations Grants

In a recent news release, the U.S. Forest Service announced the selection of 35 projects to be funded by the 2020 Wood Innovations Grant program. Two of those winning projects - “Part II of Expanding Markets for Thermally-modified Wood Products Produced from Low value Hardwood Species,” and “Increasing Hardwood Utilization in the Cross-laminated Timber Market,” are being conducted by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

According to the release:

“The Wood Innovations Grant program advances innovations in wood products that create jobs, revitalize local economies and support sustainable forest land management.
This year the Forest Service received 103 proposals, demonstrating the expanding interest in using wood in traditional and innovative ways as a building material and a renewable energy source.
Of the 35 projects selected, 27 focus on expanding markets for wood products, and eight seek to increase markets for renewable wood energy. This year’s projects expand uses for small diameter wood, develop new markets for biochar and wood-powered energy, explore using cross-laminated timber in health care facilities, examine how to finance urgent restoration work, and more.
The projects will take place in 19 states (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Vermont and Washington) and Puerto Rico.”

For more information, visit www.usda.gov.