Workshops on Using Downed Timber and Wildfire Prevention

Storm to Stove: A Workshop for Timber and Firewood Processing After Hurricane Helene

This workshop is Friday and Saturday, August 8th and 9th, at the Hinton Center in Clay County. It is titled Storm to Stove: A Workshop for Timber and Firewood Processing After Hurricane Helene. Though Hurricane Helene imposed widespread destruction on the mountains of NC, opportunities are available to make the most out of the devastation. Two options you can pursue are to generate firewood and sawtimber. This two-day technical workshop will cover best practices for processing storm-damaged timber into firewood and other wood products. Experts will present key topics, including post-storm timber recovery, chainsaw safety, wood extraction methods, sawmilling, firewood production, drying, storage, and safety. Hands-on demonstrations and technical discussions will provide practical insights into equipment, safety protocols, and efficiency in wood utilization—from storm to stove. Whether you’re a landowner, forester, or firewood professional, this workshop offers essential knowledge for maximizing wood resources. Lunch will be provided on Friday and Saturday. Register for both days for $45 on the Storm to Stove Eventbrite page.

Wood Utilization and Fire Protection Workshop

The second workshop is Monday, August 11th, in north Asheville Botanical Garden in Buncombe County. It is titled Wood Utilization and Fire Protection Workshop. This one-day workshop will cover best practices for processing storm-damaged timber into useful wood products. Experts will present key topics, including post-storm timber recovery, wood extraction methods, sawmilling, drying, storage, and safety. Hands-on demonstrations and technical discussions will provide practical insights into equipment, safety protocols, and efficiency in wood utilization. We will also examine the wildfire potential resulting from the downed trees. Whether you’re a landowner, forester, or interested in new business opportunities, this workshop offers essential knowledge for maximizing wood resources. In the afternoon, we will visit a field site to observe a portable sawmill and its operation. Lunch will be provided.  Register for $20 on the Wood Utilization event page.