Workshop Organizers

 

As recognized national leaders in community biomass projects, the following organizers are pleased to be a part of Making Wood Work.

 

The National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Inc. (NARC&DC) represents 375 local Resource Conservation and Development Councils that deliver coordinated resource conservation and community development assistance throughout rural America.  We work together with local RC&D Councils; communities, all levels of government, and grassroots organizations to develop and implement solutions to widespread problems and to develop opportunities that will help sustain rural communities, local economies, and natural resources.  Several regional RC&D councils are currently serving as Project Coordinators for Fuels for Schools and Beyond projects in their local areas.  As “liaisons” between local facilities and state coordinators, they provide oversight and assistance to facilities installing biomass boilers.

http://www.rcdnet.org/

 

USDA Forest Service: State and Private Forestry

S&PF is the federal leader in providing technical and financial assistance to landowners and resource managers to help sustain the Nation’s forests and protect communities and the environment from wildland fires.  The mission of S&PF is to benefit diverse landowners by helping them manage and protect their trees and forested landscapes, through collaborative partnerships, expert advice, innovative technology, and financial assistance.  S&PF has served as primary funder and coordinator for biomass utilization across the nation including the 6-State Fuels for Schools and Beyond Program.   http://www.fs.fed.us/spf/

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Forestry Assistance Bureau

Working within the Forestry Division of the DNRC, the Forestry Assistance Bureau is charged with the mission to maintain and improve the health of Montana's forests, forested watersheds, and the communities that depend on them.  We work across diverse land ownerships in education, collaboration, and technical and financial assistance with a vision of Montana’s rural and urban forests that are resilient, sustainable and actively managed to meet landowner and societal needs into the future.  We are responsible for coordinating the Montana Biomass Utilization and Fuels for Schools and Beyond Program in all aspects of program management including providing technical and financial assistance to facilities, garnering state support for biomass utilization and advancing strategies for biomass processing and transport.  

http://dnrc.mt.gov/forestry/Assistance/

 

               

Biomass Energy Resource Center

Biomass Energy Resource Center (BERC) is an independent, national nonprofit organization located in Montpelier, Vermont that assists communities, schools and colleges, state and local governments, businesses, utilities, and others with making the most of their local energy resources. With more than 25 years of staff expertise in the field, and extensive relationships with other experts, manufacturers, suppliers, public agencies, and consultants, BERC is the nation’s leading organization involved in the assessment, development, and management of community-scale biomass energy projects. BERC’s board and staff embody a wide range of relevant professional experience and expertise, including biomass fuel systems, environmental policy and management, forestry, wood fuel supply, and project and program management.  For more info: http://www.biomasscenter.org/.

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Contact Bitter Root RC&D at (406) 363-1444 ext.5 or bitterrootrcd@cybernet1.com