In the Pacific Northwest, forest soils are rocky and contain relatively few nutrients. Forest productivity is often limited by lack of nutrients or water. Pressure to preserve forests for wildlife and recreation, combined with population growth and the continuing demand for wood and paper products, challenges the ability to sustain working forests for timber production. Many of the area's old growth forests have been logged and are now managed for timber production for 40-60 year harvest cycles.
Application of biosolids to forestland is recognized as an effective fertilization and soil conditioning mechanism. Biosolids enhance tree growth and the productivity of the entire forest ecosystem, including wildlife habitat. Biosolids may also help improve water quality of lakes and streams by increasing vegetation and enhancing the physical characteristics of forest soils, reducing erosion.
Today large and small biosolids producers alike maintain successful biosolids forestry recycling programs in the Pacific Northwest, including the city of Long Beach.