Nevada Biomass Utilization Strategy

In Reply Refer To:
5300/5400 (NV-930) P
9210 (NV-913) P

United States Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Nevada State Office
P.O. Box 12000 (1340 Financial Blvd)
Reno, Nevada 89520-0006
https://www.blm.gov/nevada

October 5, 2004

EMS TRANSMISSION 10/06/2004
Instruction Memorandum No. NV-2005-001
Expires: 09/30/2006

To: Field Managers, Nevada

From: State Director, Nevada

Subject: Nevada Biomass Utilization Strategy

Program Areas: Forests and Woodlands Management, Fuels Management.

This Nevada IM supplements the Washington Office IM No. 2004-227, BLM’s Biomass Utilization Strategy which was issued on August 16, 2004 (attached). Nevada BLM will implement a strategy for increasing the utilization of biomass from BLM lands consistent with the National Fire Plan (NFP) and using the tools of the Healthy Forests Initiative, including the new authorities for stewardship contracting projects and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA). However, in Nevada we have factors that severely limit our capabilities to promote the utilization of biomass. Excessive transportation costs to markets (extreme distances) and the lack of forest industry in the state are two of the primary factors. In providing for biomass demands we need to ensure that it fits Nevada BLM goals and the needs of the public. Until industry that utilizes biomass comes to this state, Nevada BLM capabilities to increase the utilization of biomass will continue to be limited.

At this time, we recognize at least two potential markets in Nevada that could utilize biomass from the public lands. These include the “Fuels for Schools” program which is currently being piloted in Ely, Nevada, and the biomass plant which is currently under analysis in the Carson City area. Nevada BLM can offer biomass to support these two potential markets as well as other potential markets by making available the amounts of biomass that we could provide annually on a sustained yield basis.

Most forest industry requires a long-term supply of resources to build new plants. Field Offices should assess their land base capabilities and look for and support biomass utilization opportunities if available. Nevada BLM will concentrate on our successes and share that information with our field offices, communities, and other interested publics.

Additional information concerning biomass utilization can be obtained by contacting Skip Ritter, Nevada State Office Forester and ES&R Coordinator, 775-861-6484; or Sandy Gregory, Nevada State Office Fuels Specialist, 775-861-6514, or via e-mail.

Signed by:
Robert V. Abbey
State Director

Authenticated by:
Kim Hill
Staff Assistant

Attachment:
1- WO IM No. 2004-227 w/ attachments (37 pp)