“First ever” National Forest biomass risk assessment receives interim approval

The 'first ever' Regional Risk Assessment (RRA) for National Forest System lands under the Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) has been completed and approved for use by biomass producers.
This provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable biomass sourcing across all forests administered by the USDA Forest Service (USFS) in the contiguous US, according to the organisation.
SBP-endorsed RRAs are crucial for identifying and mitigating risks associated with the sustainable sourcing of feedstock for biomass and woodchip production, opening significant opportunities in markets with strict sustainability requirements, such as Europe and Asia, it added.
By expanding access to these markets, this interim risk assessment provides a unique opportunity that balances conservation goals with economic and renewable energy development.
Typically, RRAs analyse specific geographic regions, provinces or states. This RRA is unique in that it took the approach of considering the vast and unique network of National Forests in the United States as one region, providing a targeted and specific review.
“Sourcing biomass under the SBP requires documentation to demonstrate sustainability, and this risk assessment of U.S. National Forests delivers the most detailed, science-backed framework to date,” said Alicia Cramer, chief operating officer at the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities.
“This assessment will expand market opportunities for sustainably sourced biomass while supporting fire resilience, conservation efforts and local economies.”
“Access to biomass markets for National Forest timber sales and stewardship projects support the Forest Service goals to increase the pace and scale of active forest management,” added Steve Lohr, natural resource director with the USFS.
“This assessment will be critical to support rural economies that rely on timber from National Forests.”