The application for the fourth year of the Firewood Bank Assistance Program closed on Friday, November 14th. Applications rolled in faster than ever before from firewood bank programs across the country. We're excited to continue processing these applications and moving funds as quickly as possible as winter approaches. Check out the 21 grantees that have already received funding here.

Some quick stats from the applicants:

• Largest Firewood Bank: 1,500 cords
• Types of Firewood Banks: 17 are general non-profits or mutual aid programs, 16 are Tribes, 8 are non-profits that are tribal-serving, 7 are non-profits that are faith-based, 2 are businesses, 1 is a community forest partnership, and 1 is run by a local or state government
• Average Grant Request: $37,869
• Average Budget Approved: $33,482
• Average Size of Firewood Bank: 223 cords
• State with the Most Applicants: Montana (7)

Blog: Webinar Series on Indigenous Stewardship of National Forests

The group, First Nations Development Institute, has a great webinar series that underscores indigenous rights and land sovereignty. Their latest webinar, “Indigenous Stewardship of National Forests” from their Stewarding Native Lands series, details how indigenous co-stewardship has been stopped throughout history and what progress looks like with today.

Blog: National Forest Foundation Unites Southwest Firewood Assistance Programs 

In August, the National Forest Foundation held a workshop to expand their program, Wood for Life: a Tribal Fuelwood Initiative. AGH was invited to participate in sharing best practices from the firewood banks we have funded over the past three years and to help tribal banks prepare to apply for this year’s funding.

In late October, it was announced that the EPA Burn Wise Program would no longer be in operation. Many firewood banks have benefitted from the program's wood burning education materials in the past. Fortunately, these materials will still be available to download on their website. The whole suite of their educational materials can be found here.

Forks Lions Continue 44-Year Tradition of “Firewood for Food” Exchange with Quincy (WA)

“For the 44th consecutive year, the Forks Lions Club teamed up with the Quincy Men’s Service Club for their long-standing “Firewood for Food” exchange — a partnership that continues to strengthen the bond between the two communities, nearly 250 miles apart.”

“Two log truck loads of firewood were delivered from Forks to Quincy, thanks to the generous hauling efforts of drivers Nick Worley and Barry Swanson. Once in Quincy, the wood is prepared as firewood for those in need, and in return, the Quincy club and local farmers provide fresh produce for Forks area families.”

This month brings a surge of news from Maine’s firewood banks. So many, in fact, it calls for their own distinct news section! Here are the latest stories from across the state:

‘Desperately Needed’ Wood Bank Opens in Franklin County

“‘...we were able to negotiate that every LIHEAP recipient who applies to us for wood is going to be referred back to the community action program. WMCA has committed to doing a heat loss evaluation and committed $15,000 per home for repairs,’ Webster said.”

‘Dig In’: More Mainers Turning to Firewood to Stay Warm This Winter 

“‘We’re talking about winter. It’s dark and cold, and people are really struggling to make ends meet.’”

First Oxford County Firewood Bank Aims to Fill Growing Need for Heating Assistance

“‘The numbers are getting worse,’ he said. ‘People will have to start making difficult decisions. Do I eat less? Do I heat less?’”

“17-year Mount Desert volunteer firefighter, and self-employed arborist, Andrew Flanagan, recently started something he says didn't previously exist on the vast island. A wood bank.”

This video from 2022 takes a look at a firewood bank in Arnold, CA where a group of volunteers called the "Do-Wooders" have been processing and distributing firewood for decades in Calaveras County. The purpose of the video was to help raise funds for a new truck and encourage community volunteers to come out and volunteer. The Do-Wooders still meet on Monday and Wednesday mornings.

Firewood Banks In The News

Chama Peak Land Alliance's "Firewood For Seniors" program was featured in their local paper.

Chama Peak Land Alliance centers its work on improving forest health in the Southern Rockies. By partnering with private landowners and participating in forest health projects, they are able to use the resulting wood byproducts to fuel their firewood bank program in the Tierra Amarilla area of New Mexico.

International Firewood Banks

New Zealand: Warming Families, One Log at a Time

“A shed in Timaru’s port precinct is bringing cultures and organisations together in their efforts to keep the community warm.”