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Clearwater County, Idaho

The Clearwater County, ID, BDO Zone for Woody Biomass is rated ‘A’.

Rating Issue Date: April 24, 2025.

‘A’ ratings denote high prospective viability of Feedstock Supply and Infrastructure and low expectations of default risk in the Zone. Capacity to support new biobased plant operations is considered strong.

BDO Zone Rating

A

Clearwater County, ID, BDO Zone Overview

Feedstock quantities are expressed in bone dry tons per year (bdt/yr), while feedstock costs are expressed in USD ($). Maximum transport distance is based on a 75-mile driving distance from the center point (Orofino, ID).

BDO Zone Assets:
  • Supply Zone includes the highest producing timberlands in Idaho, providing reliable feedstock sources.
  • Pulpwood growth rates exceed harvest levels by more than 75%, supporting a sustainable supply.
  • Minimal competition for pulpwood and forest residues, with material often left unused.
  • Low housing costs at 36% below the national average, supporting workforce recruitment and retention.
BDO Zone Liabilities:
  • Severe shortage of log truck drivers and loggers leads to significant operational constraints.
  • Dependence on a stable sawtimber industry for feedstock availability poses supply chain vulnerability.
  • Absence of natural gas infrastructure limits potential processing technologies and applications.
  • Wildfire and disease threats to forestland present ongoing risks to feedstock supply reliability.

Infrastructure

414 Wood Street Site – Weippe, ID
  • 3.7 flat acres across three parcels in downtown Weippe

  • Former site of a truss manufacturing company

  • Located just off Highway 11 with easy access

  • 60′ x 100′ steel building with concrete floors and two 16′ x 20′ roll-up doors

  • 40′ x 40′ attached pole building

  • 16′ x 10′ office space and bathroom

  • Connected to city water and sewer

  • Three-phase power available

  • Ideal for light industrial or manufacturing operations

  • Located in a supportive, business-friendly North Central Idaho community


Pierce Site – Pierce, ID
  • Two available parcels located in Pierce, Idaho

  • Suitable for development or investment

Contact:
City of Pierce
Teresa Koepke – City Clerk
tkoepke@cityofpierce.com


84 Grangemont Rd. Site – Orofino, ID
  • 42 acres available for lease (divisible into smaller parcels)

  • Site of former lumber mill in Orofino, Idaho

  • One existing building on site

  • Adjacent to roadway for convenient access

  • Three-phase power on site

  • City water and sewer services available

  • Water rights to a year-round creek

  • Less than 1 mile to rail and local airfield

  • Less than 50 miles to major airport

  • Less than 50 miles to deep water port

  • Fiber internet available

Contact:
Susan Jacobson
Clearwater County Economic Development
208-476-8824 (Office)
208-827-0230 (Mobile)

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Contact Info

Ryan Magwood

Ryan Magwood

Head of Business Development

BDO Zone Initiative

ryan@bdozone.org

647-962-3286

BDO Zone Local Development Leaders

Susan Jacobson

Susan Jacobson

Director of Economic Development

Clearwater County, Idaho

sjacobson@clearwatercounty.org

208-827-0230

Local grants and Incentives

For more information on Idaho Incentives, click here.

Incentives & Grants

 

Additional Information