Walsenburg Facility

Project Overview:

Woocache PBC has launched a pioneering pilot project for carbon dioxide removal located just outside of La Veta, Colorado. This project employs an innovative terrestrial biomass storage methodology, which involves burying high-hazard liability biomass to prevent it from decomposing rapidly and releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. This biomass is collected as part of wildfire mitigation operations, which play a crucial role in reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfires in the region.

Biomass Collection and Utilization:

The biomass used in this project primarily consists of waste from wildfire mitigation efforts, including slash piles that would have otherwise been burned during the winter months. These slash piles, composed of branches, twigs, and other wood debris, represent a significant source of carbon emissions when burned. By intercepting this biomass and burying it instead, Woocache effectively traps the carbon in a solid state, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

Ideal Conditions for Carbon Preservation:

The site near La Veta is particularly well-suited for preserving carbon within the buried wood. The cold, dry climate of Colorado significantly impedes the activity of organisms that typically break down wood. The reduced temperature and low moisture levels create an inhospitable environment for these decomposers, thereby slowing the decomposition process from years to centuries. Additionally, the clay content in the soil further aids in this process by reducing oxygen levels, which are essential for the organisms that consume wood. This combination of factors ensures that the buried biomass remains stable for extended periods, effectively removing carbon dioxide.

Private Land Operations:

The wood utilized in this project was harvested from private land, and the burial also took place on private property. The landowners were compensated for both the source material and the burial site, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement. This compensation model not only incentivizes landowners to participate in such carbon removal efforts but also supports local economies.

Local Employment and Services:

All labor for this project was sourced from local individuals and services, providing employment opportunities and supporting the local community. By engaging local workers and businesses, Woocache ensures that the benefits of the project extend beyond environmental gains, fostering economic growth and resilience within the region.

Economically, the project boosts rural employment by creating a supply chain for the removal and burial of high-hazard liability biomass. This not only supports local labor markets but also fosters the development of new skills and industries related to carbon dioxide removal and environmental management.

Site Monitoring and Restoration:

After the biomass burial operation is completed, the land is returned to its initial use. This ensures that the land can continue to support local activities and ecosystems. To ensure the effectiveness and stability of our carbon sequestration efforts, we are monitoring the site with our second-generation instruments. These instruments are strategically placed within the wood chambers, on the surface above the chambers, and in the air over the chambers. This comprehensive monitoring system allows us to track the condition of the buried biomass and the surrounding environment, ensuring that our carbon removal process is functioning as intended and making adjustments as necessary.



Woocache's pilot project near La Veta, Colorado, stands as a testament to the potential of innovative carbon removal methodologies. By leveraging local resources, engaging with private landowners, and creating economic opportunities within the community, Woocache is setting a precedent for sustainable and scalable carbon dioxide removal projects. As the company continues to grow and refine its approach, it holds promise for making substantial contributions to climate change mitigation and wildfire risk reduction, benefiting both the environment and local communities.

Woocache's innovative biomass burial methodology for carbon dioxide removal offers a multitude of co-benefits beyond its primary goal of carbon sequestration. These benefits span environmental, economic, and public health domains, providing a comprehensive solution to several pressing issues.

Lowering the Risk of Catastrophic Wildfire:
By utilizing high-hazard liability biomass from wildfire mitigation operations, Woocache reduces the fuel load in forests and wildlands. This lowers the risk of catastrophic wildfires, protecting lives, property, and natural resources, and enhancing community safety and resilience.

Increased Watershed Health:
Wildfires can devastate watershed health by degrading soil, reducing water infiltration, and increasing sedimentation in water bodies. By mitigating wildfire risk, Woocache helps maintain watershed integrity, ensuring better water quality, improved groundwater recharge, and stable aquatic habitats.

Improved Air Quality:
Reducing wildfire incidence directly improves air quality. Wildfires release large amounts of particulate matter and pollutants that affect both rural and urban areas. By preventing wildfires through biomass burial, Woocache reduces these emissions, leading to cleaner air and healthier living conditions.

Reduced Health Risks from Smoke:
Wildfire smoke poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, are particularly at risk. By decreasing wildfire frequency and severity, Woocache’s operations reduce these health risks, leading to fewer hospital visits, lower healthcare costs, and better public health outcomes.

Economic Benefits and Increased Rural Employment:
Woocache’s projects create substantial economic benefits, especially in rural areas. The operations involve local labor and services, providing employment opportunities and stimulating the local economy. Jobs are created in biomass collection, transportation, site preparation, and monitoring. Landowners benefit financially through compensation for sourcing and burial locations, encouraging broader participation in carbon removal efforts.

Ecosystem Protection and Biodiversity Benefits:
Healthy ecosystems are essential for biodiversity, providing habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Wildfires can decimate these habitats, leading to biodiversity loss and ecological disruption. Reducing fire frequency allows forests and natural areas to recover and thrive, enhancing their carbon sequestration capacity and supporting diverse life forms.