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2024 Biomass Utilization Symposium

A logo with trees, text "Biomass Utilization Symposium," and "Sonoma Mendocino Economic Development District."

Thank you for joining us! To access the presentation slides from the event, please click here

2024 SMEDD Biomass Utilization Press Release, 3/27/24

2024 SMEDD Biomass Utilization Flyer

Date: May 3, 2024 (including day-before tours + social) 

Location: UCANR Hopland Research and Extension Center Shippey Hall  

Overview: The 2024 SMEDD Biomass Utilization Symposium will bring together industry, academia, Tribes, government and community-based organizations to explore the opportunities and challenges of implementing forest biomass utilization projects for fire safety, forest health, renewable energy, and wood products, and supporting the appropriate growth of sustainable, stewardship-based, rural economic development

Themes: Fire Safety, Forest Health, Wood Products, Renewable Energy and Sustainable, Stewardship-based, Rural Economic Development

Goals:

The SMEDD and partners are seeking to attract a diverse audience of project developers, economic development and regional planners key to permitting and financing, to meet a group of regional and state experts who are actively engaged in biomass development issues.  The goals of the day are to hear from statewide experts involved in biomass utilization, bring regional awareness of example projects in development and to explore other opportunities that may be appropriate to the region.

Agenda & Program:

Thursday May2, 2024

  • 10:00am-4:00 pm| Forest Thinning and Biomass to Energy Demonstration Project Tour(s) 
    • Northern Option | Potter Valley Tribe & Hopland Field Station, Mendocino County
      • Join Potter Valley Tribal leaders, environmental managers and Mendocino County elected leaders to visit and learn about the Tribes active forest health improvement and biochar production pilot project in the Eel River watershed. Tour group will meet at Hoppers Corner in Potter Valley then carpool to site; hear from practicioners; experience biochar production facilities; and enjoy a boxed lunch from Schat's Bakery in Ukiah. 
      • Next stop on the tour will be the UC Hopland Research and Extension Center to meet Station Director John Bailey and experience bioenergy pilot facilities recently installed at the Center. 
      • Tour will conclude by joining the Pre-Symposium Social and Networking in nearby Hopland, CA. Passes for the tour only are available.
    • Southern Option | Old World Winery, Sonoma County
      • Join Soil Carbon Management CEO (and Old World Winery Owner/Winemaker) Darek Trowbridge for a tour and discussion. The tour will focus on the current soil carbon management pilot composting operations located onsite at Old World Winery. You will learn about the potential for converting large amounts of forest biomass into carbon sequestering, and agriculture enhancing, soil amendments. 
      • The tour will include a taco truck luncheon at the winery and will conclude in time to allow attendees to join the Pre-Symposium Social and Neworking event in Hopland, CA. Passes for the tour only are available.
  • 4:00-6:00 pm | Pre-Symposium Social and Networking, Thatcher Hotel, Hopland, CA

Friday May 3, 2024

*Speakers and Panels subject to change*

Local Lodging Information

For local lodging, discounts are offered at the Thatcher Hotel in Hopland and the Holiday Inn Express in Ukiah, a 25min drive to the UC Extension Hopland Campus.

Please use the links below for booking:

Thatcher Hotel

10% Discount Code: Biomass

Holiday Inn Express

No booking code is needed, the link accesses a group rate

Sponsorship Oppportunities available! Please see below:

Symposium Sponsorship Opportunities.pdf

Thank You to Our Generous 2024 Sponsors:

Logos of various organizations, probably related to environmental conservation, water management, and business development.

 

View Our Confirmed & Invited Speakers: