Panel Discussion: Meeting the California Market Demand for Medium/Coarse Grade Compost Products
The demand for medium and coarse grade compost is increasing in the state of California; much of this is in response to Caltrans and other environmental application requirements. Traditional markets for medium grade compost, such as landscape mulch and erosion/sediment control media have significantly expanded, as have emerging markets such as bioretention ‘low float’ mulch. Further, the desire to obtain less combustible mulches may also expand application for medium grade composts. That’s where California composters come in, as demand is far outstripping supply. The US Composting Council would like to invite you to join us for a webinar and panel discussion featuring Ron Alexander – R.Alexander Associates Inc., Scott Dowlan – Caltrans, and Ken Murray – Caltrans in which our panelists will discuss best practices in producing a medium/coarse compost product, as well as growing markets, specifications, and success stories, current usage, and growing demand within Caltrans.
Ken Murray
Supervising Landscape Architect at Caltrans
Ken Murray is a Supervising Landscape Architect for Caltrans and has over 23 years of experience in landscape architecture. Ken graduated from University of California at Davis, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture and is a licensed Landscape Architect. Ken has overseen projects in the Tahoe Basin focusing on compost use specifically for revegetation and source control efforts. Ken worked on a $200 million dollar project in Construction overseeing erosion control and stormwater compliance activities. Ken has partnered with Cal Recycle in developing workshops on compost use.
Ron Alexander
R.Alexander Associates Inc.
Ron Alexander is the President of R. Alexander Associates, Inc., a company specializing in product and market development for organic recycled products. He is a horticulturalist with over 40 years of experience working with compost. In the 1980’s (and early 90’s), Mr. Alexander ran one of the first compost brokerage companies in the US, and since then, has completed over 500 related projects. He has also authored the ‘The Practical Guide to Compost Marketing and Sales’, and a number of state and national product specifications. Mr. Alexander also managed the national compost testing program (the US Composting Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance Program) and is an Industry Liaison to AAPFCO.
Scott Dowlan
Senior Landscape Architect at Caltrans
Scott Dowlan is a Senior Landscape Architect for Caltrans and has over 28 years of experience practicing landscape architecture. Scott graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture and is a licensed Landscape Architect and Certified Professional in Sediment and Erosion Control. Scott presented at the US Composting Council Annual Conference in 2008 and 2014, the US Green Building Council - Water Conservation Showcase in 2014, and has worked with the California Invasive Plant Council as well as several other organizations regarding the use of compost for erosion control.  
USCC Director of Industry Development Matt Ball CCOMTM will be our moderator.
Matt has been with the USCC since January of this year. Prior to moving to the USCC staff Matt was the compost facility operator at the North Carolina State University Compost Facility and Research Cooperative, the facility that processes all food waste collected at the university as well as many other organics streams generated on campus. In addition to working at NCSU, Matt founded a soil ecology laboratory and has extensive knowledge of soil biology. With prior experience on organic farms and GIS management, Matt brings a wealth of practical knowledge of compost and compost manufacturing to the Council. He will serve as the staff liaison for the Market Development Committee (MDC). 
US Composting Council
PO Box 19246
Raleigh, NC 27619
301.897.2715