The goal of this project is to identify and evaluate supply sheds, score their potential based on the true cost of extracting material from forests, and develop scalable, transparent supply chains…

On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service awarded a $600,000 project grant to Loamist, CO. under the Wood Utilization Assistance program (CFDA 10.674). The award, with a completion date of October 31, 2026, funds the identification and evaluation of forest supply sheds to assess the true cost of material extraction. Loamist will develop scalable, transparent supply chains that connect forest management activities with real market demands, thereby supporting the utilization of wood products and residues from federal and private lands while reducing wildfire risk.

The Wood Utilization Assistance program, administered by the USDA Forest Service, provides technical and financial assistance to expand wood products and wood energy markets in support of long-term management of National Forest System lands. The program emphasizes projects addressing hazardous fuel reduction and sustainable forest management through activities such as infrastructure development, feasibility studies, and market development initiatives. This award reflects the Forest Service's strategic focus on using low-value wood and forest residues to strengthen market connections and support active forest management objectives across the nation.

The goal of this project is to identify and evaluate supply sheds, score their potential based on the true cost of extracting material from forests, and develop scalable, transparent supply chains to meet real market demands.