Goal - Improve Small Diameter Wood Utilization

Hazardous fuel levels are found throughout the region and are a serious concern for communities and forestland managers. Challenges to fuels removal are the market barriers and lack of incentives for utilization of small diameter trees. Effective utilization has the potential to spur local economic development.

Objectives

A)     Reduce hazardous fuels levels on 5,000 acres in the Black Hills by 2010.

B)     Improve marketability of small wood.  Create two new forest products businesses in Crook and/or Weston Counties by 2010. 

Strategies

i)           Form steering committee of local forestry experts to set near term objectives and strategies - 2007

ii)         Fund a full-time position to coordinate a local pilot project in pursuit of goal.

iii)        Develop successful designs for Stewardship Contracts on Federal Lands.

iv)       Investigate enterprise opportunities for local businesses

v)         Organize landowners to assist with small acreage forest management.