Biochar Production  -  Oral Presentation
Small Woodland Owners and the Value of Place-Based Biochar
Elaine Oneil
Washington Farm Forestry Association

Small woodland owners are responsible for the management of over half the nation’s forested lands. The Washington Farm Forestry Association provides information and resources for achieving better management outcomes to small woodland owners in Washington who are committed to multi-generation stewardship of their lands for environmental, economic and social benefits. Washington small woodland owners have a strong interest in exploring the potential of biochar to enhance forest carbon sequestration on their lands.  They also face the increasing need to remove hazardous fuels to help prevent wildfire. Yet many of our forest landowners lack the resources needed for intensive vegetation management that does not produce timber that can be sold to pay for the work.

WFFA is involved in efforts to explore the potential of biochar carbon removal markets to pay for the work of vegetation management, recognizing that this work requires a large contingent of forestry workers who will need to be trained and funded to do the work. Perhaps the biggest opportunity could occur when those focused on growing the circular carbon economy recognize the unique opportunity that exists to retain and renew forests as critical components to minimize environmental degradation. One co-benefit, as all small forestland owners know, is an opportunity to maximize the human connection to the natural world through forestland ownership. Another benefit is the social good of providing employment for a rural workforce to assist in forest stewardship.

Keywords: small woodland owners, biochar,  place based, carbon stewardship, fuel reduction, wildfire