#forestproud explores how New England states are utilizing forest waste to fuel the future

At #forestproud, we build connections to those beyond the sector through results-based communications and projects that impact generations of forest stewardship. We focus on how forests shape lives, solve societal challenges, and bring people together in pursuit of a better climate future.

Through values-aligned partnerships and even single-dollar donations, we open doors to a deeper appreciation for forests, forest careers, and forest products. Our support fuels storytelling that captivates, projects that inspire, and pathways that welcome those beyond the sector into meaningful dialogue and action.

The future of renewable energy is rooted in our forests.
Our new bioenergy film project is shedding light on how forest-based bioenergy is powering communities, creating jobs, and driving innovation. In partnership with the USDA Forest Service's Wood Innovation Grant Program, this powerful documentary explores the economic and environmental benefits of a thriving bioenergy sector, featuring real-world examples of sustainable energy solutions.

“The USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Program strengthens forest sustainability by advancing markets for wood products and energy to support active forest management, reduce wildfire risk and support rural jobs. Through grants, it encourages traditional wood,” said Brian Brashaw, USFS assistant director. “Community Wood Grants fund wood energy systems and innovative product facilities, boosting local economies. The Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance grant helps processing facilities grow, ensuring they can handle byproducts from federal and tribal restoration efforts, essential for both forest conservation and economic development.”

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Wood Innovation Program plays a pivotal role in aiding these projects that not only drive new market opportunities but also create jobs, educate the next generation, and contribute to environmental stewardship. #forestproud is partnered with the Wood Innovation Grant Program to amplify the message of sustainable forest management for the production and potential of innovative wood products to help people and the planet. We’re telling success stories, documenting real impact, and connecting the sector to those beyond the world of forestry about the value of forests as forests.

“Vermont leads the nation with our advanced wood heating efforts. Using wood heat has been a way of life in Vermont for generations. Currently, one in six Vermont students attends a school heated with wood, and more than 25% of the state's thermal energy needs are met with wood. Wood energy advocates in Maryland are working to build and expand their wood energy supply chain, and Vermont has been a helpful resource in their efforts. The tours we hosted have enabled Marylanders to visit Vermont facilities using advanced wood heating systems, speak with experts about installation and maintenance, and learn about the wood energy supply chain.” Oliver Pierson, Director of Forestry, Vermont Division of Forests, Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation

In 2024, research conducted by Growth Energy states that the U.S bioeconomy directly supported almost 644,000 jobs in the US and contributed almost $210 billion to the U.S.

“The wood energy supply chain encompasses the entire process of producing wood-based energy, from tree planting, forest to final consumption by different types of wood energy using facilities. It includes harvesting, drying, bundling, packaging, transport, and utilization of wood fuel, which plays a vital role in local energy markets by providing renewable energy for heating, cooling, and combining heat and electricity generation,” said Brashaw. “Wood energy is an important source of domestic energy, it is American-grown, provides 24/7 Baseload power, it’s a source of local energy and important for our national security. It provides a market outlet for timber or forest products production leftovers.”

Click HERE to view the full bioenergy film!

Innovative solutions to forest resources are a circular method of supporting sustainable forest management for people, products, and planet. By utilizing wood waste and turning the byproduct into a viable fuel product helps communities, the local economy, the local workforce, and local forests, which ultimately helps the planet. We are #forestproud to support the continued implementation and advancement of wood products and will have more exciting and inspiring stories from USFS Wood Innovation Grant Program recipients that are making a significant impact in lives, through forests, for good.