CLERC's Carbonizer Project: Turning Woody Biomass into Biochar for Sustainable Solutions
Northshore trees effected by fires
Wood management is a significant challenge for agencies and organizations working on wildfire resilience. With countless trees requiring removal across vast landscapes, the growing threat of invasive pests has only compounded the issue, leading to widespread tree mortality. In response, Lake County declared a Tree Mortality Local Public Emergency in 2022 to address this crisis. The question remains: What should be done with all this woody debris?
The Pervasive Impact of Invasive Pests: Several destructive pests are accelerating tree mortality in our region, including:
Bark Beetle
Ips Beetle
Across wildfire-prone regions, large-scale tree removal projects have become increasingly necessary to mitigate fire hazards. However, in many cases, not all wood is immediately removed, leading to concerns about decomposition and greenhouse gas emissions. Simply cutting trees down is not enough—responsible removal and disposal are critical to ensure long-term environmental benefits.
A Sustainable Approach: The Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaborative (HWSC) Historically, no major industry has focused on utilizing small, unmerchantable waste wood—much of which comes from power line clearing and defensible space projects. Simply turning this wood into firewood is not an option, as it risks spreading invasive pests and is labor-intensive. CLERC’s Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaborative (HWSC) is tackling this issue by finding innovative solutions, such as converting this hazardous fuel into biochar.
What is Biochar? Biochar is a specialized form of charcoal produced through pyrolysis, a process that heats organic material in the absence of oxygen. This method stabilizes carbon, preventing emissions from dead or decaying wood while creating a valuable product for agricultural and environmental use.
Benefits and Uses of Biochar:
Carbon sequestration: Locks carbon into the soil instead of releasing it as greenhouse gases.
Soil enrichment: Improves soil health by enhancing water retention and nutrient availability.
Water filtration: Can be used as a filtration medium to improve water quality.
Agricultural applications: Enhances compost and boosts crop yields.
The Middletown Carbonizer Project
To address wildfire risks while promoting carbon sequestration, CLERC launched the Middletown Carbonizer Project in collaboration with multiple partners. This initiative utilizes the Tigercat Carbonizer, an advanced machine designed to efficiently convert excess biomass into biochar.
A worker stands next to the Tigercat Carbonizer in Middletown, California, March 18, 2025.
Key Milestones:
Executive Director Will Evans speaking at the Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaborative event
Early-2024: Hometown Wildfire Safety Collaborative has a kick off event in Library Park
Mid-2024: PG&E’s contractors began delivering material from power line clearing activities.
Project Location: Partnered with Lake County Special Districts to host the carbonizer at the Middletown Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Environmental Approvals: Permits obtained from the Lake County Air Quality Management District, environmental reviews completed through the Lake County Community Development Department, and informal tribal consultation with the Middletown Rancheria.
February 2025: Biochar production officially began.
March 2025: Partners, planners and key stakeholders gather to view a demonstration and celebrate a huge accomplishment onsite.
Demonstration Event on March 24, 2025
Looking Ahead: The Log Hauling Pilot Project
With biochar production now underway, CLERC is preparing to expand the program. The next phase, the Log Hauling Pilot Project, will involve collecting downed trees from private properties, ensuring this hazardous material does not remain as a fire risk. This initiative will function similarly to CLERC’s county-wide community chipping program, which has been successfully operating since mid-2023. Depending on the insights gained from this year’s efforts, the carbonizer project may continue in future years, further enhancing wildfire resilience and carbon sequestration.
HWSC Partners: This groundbreaking initiative is made possible through collaboration with key partners, including:
Lake County Fire Chiefs Association
By transforming wildfire threats into climate solutions, CLERC and its partners are setting the stage for a more resilient and sustainable future. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to advance this exciting project!