Boosting the Local Economy & Supporting Environmental Health with Sustainable Wood Waste Solutions
The Forest Biomass Business Center (FBBC), is a wood products business campus serving the Yuba Watershed and surrounding region. The FBBC will provide an economically viable outlet for excess forest biomass created by forest management and restoration projects within a 50 mile radius of the facility.
The FBBC was developed as a solution to safeguard the community and the Yuba River Watershed (one of the last remaining green watersheds in California) from the increasing threat of catastrophic wildfire. FBBC will support a thriving local economy that will in turn improve the health of the forest, watershed, and the surrounding rural communities.
There are major forest management and restoration projects underway locally, led by North Yuba Forest Partnership and others. These projects will create incredible amounts of wood waste that can be utilized to develop green jobs and businesses while improving forest health and resilience.
The FBBC is located on a 100-acre parcel of land nestled in between the Tahoe National Forest and Plumas National Forest.
Woody Biomass Energy Facility Project
The Forest Biomass Business Center is poised to launch an innovative energy initiative, dedicated to transforming residual forest biomass into sustainable, clean energy. In collaboration with our developer, Engeman Camptonville Green Energy, this forthcoming facility, spanning 11 acres, will harness advanced technologies to generate electricity, heating, and cooling from non-commercial timber. This endeavor transcends mere energy production, embodying a mindful approach to environmental stewardship. Our strategy significantly mitigates ecological impacts while utilizing regional non merchantable timber resources to maintain forest health and mitigate wildfire risks. The project will catalyze economic growth by creating 18 new, well-compensated employment opportunities that substantially contribute to community welfare.
Extensive preparatory efforts have laid the groundwork for the imminent construction phase, with a strong emphasis on local economic retention and prosperity. Supported by $7 million in funding and $8.33 million in financing recently awarded by the Yuba Water Agency this initiative stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering renewable energy, generating meaningful employment, and preserving forest ecosystems, thereby setting a replicable standard for future projects in this domain.
Sawmill Project
The Sawmill Project is a collaborative, eco-forward initiative with Hat Creek Lumber, LLC., and Camptonville Community Partnership. This upcoming facility, spanning 20 acres, is designed to efficiently process up to 15 million board feet of sawlogs from local sources, handling trees up to 40 inches in diameter. Positioned next to the woody biomass energy facility, the sawmill will utilize shared resources, emphasizing sustainability and a circular economy approach.
