The goals of this project are to create a cross laminated timber production facility that can fabricate panels to produce a superior building product using local wood, address the buildup of fuels…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service awarded $600,000 to the Sierra Institute for Community and Environment on August 28, 2025, under the Wood Utilization Assistance program (CFDA 10.674) to establish a cross-laminated timber (CLT) production facility. The facility will fabricate CLT panels using locally sourced wood to create superior building products while simultaneously addressing forest health and wildfire risk reduction objectives on the Lassen and Plumas National Forests in California. The project will be completed by July 30, 2027.

This award directly supports the Wood Innovations program's focus on strengthening domestic forest products markets and reducing hazardous fuel accumulation in high-risk forest areas. By developing manufacturing capacity for mass timber production, the project advances sustainable forest management goals while creating economic opportunities in rural Northern California. The initiative represents a capital infrastructure investment typical of Wood Utilization Assistance awards, which prioritize equipment installation and facility development for wood processing operations that demonstrate both environmental and economic benefits to communities.

The goals of this project are to create a cross laminated timber production facility that can fabricate panels to produce a superior building product using local wood, address the buildup of fuels in high hazard forests, and reduce risk of catastrophic wildfire on the lassen and plumas national forests.