AGH on Capitol Hill for firewood banks

AGH staff visited congress members' offices from MA, ME, NC, and OR this month urging them to include funding for firewood banks in the Farm Bill. Current funding will run out in 2026. Watch out for an email from Darian about follow up with those members of Congress.

US Forest Service video: Firewood Bank of the Ruby Valley

Volunteers of the Firewood Bank of the Ruby Valley quickly become neighbors helping neighbors when temperatures drop in central Montana's winter season.

AGH Firewood Bank Grant Status

Funding Update

Pending USFS approval, AGH is hoping to open grant applications for start-ups and existing firewood banks (those that have not received funding previously) in early May. The application for renewal grants is planned for early September.

2023-2024 Final Report

Firewood banks funded in 2023-2024 will soon receive a link to complete their Final Report. Completing the Final Report is required, as agreed to in the contractual agreement, but is also a requirement for those who wish to seek funding in the future.

EPA Burn Wise Education Materials

Simple and inexpensive ways to store firewood

Watch Burn Wise's 4-minute video with instructions for 4 easy-to-build storage structures, including tips to minimize seasoning time. This is a great resource to share with firewood recipients.

The Wood Shed

Profile in Compassion: Kelly Norris

This month we feature Kelly Norris, Chair of the Clear Creek Wood Bank in Buffalo, Wyoming.

"When all else fails, stick to your mission"

Firewood Banks in the News

Heat Bank Haliburton County aims to keep homes warm, help residents experiencing poverty

“‘For some, the added cost of filling up the oil or propane tanks or stocking the woodshed is a minor inconvenience — for others, it means heartbreaking sacrifices and juggling whether to heat or eat,’ CFN noted. ‘Many homes in our community will not have enough money for both and will have to cut on their grocery or medication costs in order to keep their homes at minimal temperatures.’”

Fortine, MT wood bank volunteers help keep neighbors warm

“Moving forward, the goal, according to Bennett, is to perpetuate the bank. Most of the volunteers, while healthy and helpful, are older now. Bennett encourages younger people to get involved and help the community too.”

Two Utah-based companies awarded grant funding for firewood bank expansion

"Huber Woods, located in La Point, Utah, and Brandt Services in Monticello, Utah, will provide much-needed fuel wood for cooking and heating to disadvantaged communities."

"Those in Utah that are interested in obtaining grant funding to help provide the fuel wood these firewood banks rely on can contact Bergen Eskildsen (bergeneskildsen@utah.gov), Forest Products and Business Coordinator with the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands."

Firewood Bank Research

Increasing Longevity of Firewood Banks

Frederik Laleicke and Allie Saffioti

January 30, 2024

"The goal of this study was to assess whether firewood banks could produce and sell other primary products, such as slabs and lumber, as a way to generate additional income, thereby improving their financial standing."

Job/Internship/Research Board

AISES Indigenous Knowledge Research Program

The Indigenous Knowledge Research Program encourages high school, undergraduate, and graduate students to develop and conduct Indigenous Knowledge (IK) research projects, and elevate the intersection of Indigenous knowledge (IK) and western science and engineering. The priority deadline for submission is March 8, 2024.

Alliance for Green Heat Fellow

Interested in residential wood heat as a low-carbon, renewable fuel? Email info@forgreenheat.org for more info!

Do you have firewood bank stories to tell or resources to share? Email us!