AGH has been workshopping the idea of helping create a national firewood bank association. It could build on to and sustain the firewood bank movement, with some funders interested in the idea. We've talked with key partners and firewood bank leaders across the country, but we need more feedback from the firewood bank community! We invite everyone in the firewood bank world to take our short survey to gather more opinions on the concept. 

On June 18th, 2025, at 2 PM (ET), we'll host a virtual planning session. If you are interested in joining this first national planning call, please email Darian Dyer at darian@forgreenheat.org.

Register HERE for the webinar!

Maine Firewood Bank Legislation Update

LD 1525, An Act to Promote Firewood Banks in Maine, received a unanimous vote of Ought to Pass from the Joint Legislative Committee on Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry. Now it goes to the floor of the House and Senate and has four more steps prior to being passed. Thanks to the Wood Bank Network and other wood bank leaders who were influential during the public hearing! 

We have no new updates on the availability of funding for firewood bank grants.

Once we do know, we will publish the application opening date on firewoodbanks.org and in this newsletter.

Profile in Compassion: Jack Meehan

This month we feature Jack Meehan, AKA The Pile Master, the volunteer C.H.I.P. Firewood Crew Leader in Newcastle, Maine.

"While the most visible outcome of this work is the supply of firewood to families in need, the process itself strengthens local ecosystems. By thinning overcrowded forests and removing small-diameter trees that sawmills typically don’t use, these projects enhance biodiversity, reduce competition for resources, and strengthen overall ecosystem resilience. Additionally, removing this material eliminates potential wildfire fuel, helping mitigate fire risk to nearby communities."

Hazardous Fuels Transportation Assistance Grants



These grants support projects that remove hazardous fuels from national forests and grasslands to locations where the woody materials may be used for various wood products and services. We believe firewood banks make great candidates for this grant! Each grant is a maximum of $5 million and a recipient must provide a match of at least 50% non-federal funds. A notable eligibility requirement is that the applicant must already have an existing Forest Service contract/agreement or wood supply agreement. Deadline for applications is June 20, 2025. Read more about the grant and its eligibility requirements here.

Use the USFS "Find a Forest" tool to find the contact info for your local national forest office. They'll know where to direct you for any applications or directions needed.