Three counties in Northern California have introduced two free online platforms to help private landowners connect with forestry experts, with the aim of reducing wildfire danger and improving the handling of wood waste, Bioenergy Insight reported.
Placer County, Nevada County and El Dorado County have partnered under the California Forest Residual Aggregation Market Enhancement initiative, known as Cal FRAME. The programme focuses on overcoming challenges linked to the removal and use of forest biomass.
As part of the effort, the counties have worked with local water agencies, cities, fire safety groups, tribal communities, utilities and non-profit organisations to find practical solutions to wood waste management in the region.
The two newly launched tools — the California Working Forest Planner and the California Forest Industry Directory — are designed for landowners and Registered Professional Foresters who want to lower wildfire risk and make better use of woody material from forests.
The Working Forest Planner allows landowners to assess their property and management goals before being connected with forestry professionals in their area. The Forest Industry Directory provides an online map of service providers across California, including contractors, small mills and transport operators involved in forest-related work.
Both tools are part of a larger Digital Marketplace platform developed for Cal FRAME by the State Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation and the Watershed Research and Training Center.
Placer County was chosen to pilot the platform because of its active wildfire prevention work and interest in improving forest management. Officials said the experience gained from the pilot project will help refine the tools and consider their expansion to other parts of the state.
The broader Cal FRAME programme also supports joint efforts by the three counties to attract investment in biofuel and forest-based industries, seek funding together and promote infrastructure for better use of wood waste. The initiative is expected to help reduce organic material sent to landfills in line with state requirements under SB 1282.
