History

The MWMC adopts Biosolids Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) recommendation proposing a diversified biosolids program, which included a dedicated application site growing hybrid poplar trees.

The MWMC purchases an option to evaluate a 595-acre site on Awbrey Lane for biosolids land application and suitability for growing poplar trees.

• April: The completion of a Biosolids Land Application Farm Site Feasibility and Conceptual Design study indicated the site was suitable as a dedicated biosolids application site and that hybrid poplars would be an appropriate crop.
• May: The MWMC authorizes the purchase of the 595-acre site (named Biocycle Farm) for 2.88 million dollars.
• June: Oregon DEQ authorizes biosolids land application on Biocycle Farm.

Construction begins on Biocycle Farm.

Management Unit I (156 acres) is planted with approximately 35,000 tree starts.

• Oregon DEQ approves Recycled Water Management Plan for irrigation on Biocycle Farm.
• Management Unit II (122 acres) is planted with approximately 27,000 tree starts.

Management Unit III (116 acres) is planted with approximately 26,000 tree starts.

First-ever harvest of poplar trees on 52 acres of Management Unit I. Wood is sold for feedback for a variety of products including cardboard, Kraft paper, and charcoal. The cleared land is planted in oats by a local farmer as an interim use until tree planting is rescheduled. Watch harvest video on the MWMC YouTube channel.

An additional 72 acres of Management Unit I is harvested. Trees were 10 years old and sold for use as newsprint pulp and also for a trial run of veneer for plywood production.

The final 32 acres of Management Unit I is harvested. Over 8,000 total dry tons of poplar chips, logs, and mulch are produced from Management Unit I.

• Management Unit I is replanted with poplar tree starts.
• December: Ice storm damages farm with a combination of snapped tree trunks and uprooted trees knocking down large swaths of trees. Management Unit II is hit hardest.

Management Unit II is harvested along with portions of Unit III which were damaged by the winter ice storm. Much of this harvest is turned into plywood veneer.