High Desert Biomass Cooperative is an innovative, first-of-its-kind project in North America. WisewoodEnergy. has been working with the Harney County School District and Harney County since 2012 to develop a district energy system that will deliver heat to multiple key community facilities using woody biomass sourced from the surrounding region. The project showcases the first community-scaled bio
mass boiler in the United States that is designed specifically to use hog fuel, a coarse woody material generated as a byproduct directly from forest restoration and management activities. The project also represents a unique ownership model, in which the local community has formed the High Desert Biomass Cooperative to take ownership of the turnkey system after one year of operations. The project is widely expected to represent a replicable model for community-scaled economic development that increases energy independence, advances biomass utilization, and supports forest health. Construction was financed through a Program Related Investment loan from the Meyer Memorial Trust, with support from the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the High Desert Biomass Cooperative. Craft 3, a non profit Bank funded the loan with flexible terms as well as wise counsel to the operations. The Malheur,-Emigrant Ranger District under the leadership of Ranger Josh Giles decided to helped created a Stewardship Agreement to provide fuel for the Heating District and create opportunities for jobs, training and clean up the forest.
