Wood Byproducts
When some see small diameter timber in the woods, they see a forest fire hazard or logging leftovers. But, Vikram Yadama sees an innovative opportunity to bring together science and nature for the economic benefit of Washington land owners.
An assistant research professor and WSU Extension specialist, Yadama is a member of the WSU Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory team that has pioneered a whole new use for low-value, small-diameter timber. He has helped develop a new composite alternative to wood that is more durable and ideally suited for external applications such as decking and boat docks.
The return on investment is very high economically and environmentally.
Timber that traditionally had been sold for chip products or pulp at $20 a ton, now sells as a component for composite materials at $1,200 a ton. That helps land owners in economically stressed rural areas make extra income critical to their ongoing success.
Environmentally, making it worthwhile to remove small diameter timber from the woods lowers forest fire hazards and improves overall forest health.
Vikram Yadama
509.335.6261
vyadama@wsu.edu