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Deschutes County is seeking solutions for woody debris from fuels reduction projects, proposing increased use of air curtain burners to produce biochar. The county submitted a grant request to the Allen Foundation for up to $1.5 million to fund a pilot project.

The project aims to improve biomass disposal methods, reducing smoke and landfill use, while enhancing soil quality. Biochar, produced via pyrolysis, could also generate carbon credits valued between $100 and $150 per ton. The primary biomass will come from 600 acres of county land and 100 miles of county right-of-way.