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February 14, 2013
Dear John,
Climate
change has whip-sawed in recent months from the Valdemortian “issue that
shall not be named” to recover its proper place high on the agenda of
national priorities. And while we can’t yet bank on Congress to pioneer bold
solutions, regional innovators are forging ahead, showing how climate
solutions not only reduce carbon pollution, but add to prosperity and quality
of life.
That
is our goal with Northwest Biocarbon Initiative. By mobilizing forests,
farms, and cities to soak carbon, we will build new businesses, bring new
revenues to natural resources sectors, and make our communities better places
to live. So Northwest biocarbon innovators take note: now is the time for us
to congregate, strategize, and learn from each other:
 Whip out your
calendar! Biocarbon events coming your way
Several exciting and informative events from NBI and partners are coming and
we want to see you there! We’ve teamed with Sustainable
Path Foundation on the first of these terrific opportunities to meet and
network with our region’s top biocarbon innovators and thought leaders on
Wednesday, February 27 at Seattle’s Town Hall.
 Biocarbon
double whammy!: Recycled organics + green infrastructure
Seattle and Portland are national leaders in harnessing nature to help handle
the crazy quantities of water that flood city drainpipes in big rainstorms.
By incorporating carbon-rich compost into projects that green the urban
landscape, they are also leaders in biocarbon solutions. You can meet
co-blogger David McDonald at Enlisting Nature to Stem
Climate Change in Seattle on February 27.
 The business
and jobs case for greening our cities
An environmentalist and the head of an industry trade group team up to show
that green infrastructure is boosting the economy in Oregon. Another great
example of how the best biocarbon solutions have multiple benefits and how
the Northwest is pioneering the Restoration Economy.
 The dams fell,
the reservoir drained, and then…there was mud
The largest dam removal in US history, to allow the Elwha River to run free
for the first time in almost a century, began September 2011. Then, the real
work began as the National Park Service undertook an unprecedented (and
really, really difficult) restoration project. Howard Sprouse of Peak
Bioproducts believes “Biochar” can boost the prospects for success.
 New video
highlights biochar research at OSU
Biochar is a promising new product for agriculture, water remediation, and
other applications, which can also store carbon safely away for centuries to
come. Perry Morrow, a graduate student at Oregon State University has
produced a great little video to help people understand a little more about
biochar and its promising future.
 Winter Holiday
Grove project brings new magic to the holidays
Nearly 100 families and households in Thurston County, Washington gathered to
plant live, native trees that they had hosted at their homes for the
holidays. Together they created the Winter Holiday Grove: a living gift to
members of the community 100 years from now. And the kids who attended the
planting promised to return when they are older and bring a
child with them–someone who hasn’t even been born yet–and tell the story of
how everyone came together on a winter day in 2013 to create a gift for them,
their kids, and their grandkids.
I
look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming biocarbon events!
Thanks
for all that you do.
 
Rhys Roth
Director of Strategic Innovation
Connect
with the
Northwest
Biocarbon Initiative
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