The “Roundwood Engineered Structures Dream Team” was such a successful partnership that
it earned a National Fire Plan award for “Pushing the Limits of Biomass Innovation in Montana
Communities.” This award was given out recently by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Interior
in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The National Fire Plan award recipients have shown a long-term commitment and investment to protect
communities, natural resources, and most importantly, the lives of firefighters and the public. These awards
exemplify the tremendous dedication across the nation of those who work daily to reduce the threats of wildland
fire.
Beginning in 2003, three Montana projects—a 5,000-square-foot community library, a 24-foot-diameter kiosk,
and a 165-foot suspension roundwood pedestrian bridge—brought together a partnership that helped promote and
expand the market for small-diameter roundwood and provided an economic incentive for woody biomass removal
from overstocked forest stands throughout the West.
The Roundwood Engineered Structures Dream Team consists of the following partners: USDA Forest Service;
Bitterroot National Forest ; Montana Community Development Corporation; Porterbilt Company, Inc.; Bitterroot
Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council; Beaudette Consulting Engineers; Friends of the
Darby Library; Ron LaRue, Architect; and Travelers' Rest Preservation and Heritage Association.
The Community Library in Darby, Montana, is truly an inspiring story.
The 5,000 -square-foot library showcases innovative technology through the use of engineered beams and trusses
made from small-diameter roundwood material . This library was built using local contractors and suppliers,
incorporating as many locally made products as possible. The nearly $900,000 building opened September 2004
debt free, as a result of Forest Service grants, numerous fundraisers, and donations from businesses and
organizations throughout the area.
The Kiosk at Travelers' Rest State Park was built near the Native American campsite
that Lewis and Clark 's Corps of Discovery used in 1805 and 1806. The 24-foot-diameter roundwood kiosk
was the first step in overall construction at the park. In addition, a 165-foot suspension
Pedestrian Bridge will be constructed across the creek to minimize environmental damage
and connect the parking lot to the historical area.
The collaboration and coordination of this partnership have made a real difference to
forestry-dependent communities and businesses in rural Montana. For each project, it took
teamwork and dedication from all the partners and communities to bring each project to fruition.
Each partner had their individual responsibilities, but it took all the partners working together
to accomplish the final project. Because of the various skills and backgrounds of each partner, an
abundance of expertise was available to troubleshoot technical problems along the way. These partners
monitored progress, helped with preliminary marketing if needed, identified additional funding sources,
and were available to lend a hand or advice for when a possible new product line was being implemented.
To be recognized nationally for their successful partnership was just icing on the cake.
For additional information contact:
Jean Livingston, Communications Specialist
USDA Forest Service
State & Private Forestry
Technology Marketing Unit
at the Forest Products Laboratory
One Gifford Pinchot Drive
Madison , Wisconsin 53726
(608) 231-9242
www.fpl.fs.fed.us/tmu/
National Fire Plan website: http://www.fireplan.gov/
The National Fire Plan awards include seven award categories:
- Community Assistance
- Collaboration
- Hazardous Fuels Reduction
- Firefighter Preparedness, Training and Safety
- Rehabilitation and Restoration
- Innovation in Biomass Utilization
- Research
For additional information on National Fire Plan awards: http://www.fireplan.gov/awards/
PARTNERING WITH THE FOREST SERVICE
