'Wildfire Turns to Hope'... Hampyeong County Provides 80 Tons of Sawdust from Damaged Trees Free of Charge

Hampyeong County is achieving a twofold effect by revitalizing trees fallen due to a large-scale forest fire that occurred in April 2023 as resources, reducing the burden on farmers and protecting the environment. Provided by Hampyeong County

Hampyeong County in South Jeolla Province is achieving a twofold effect by repurposing trees that fell due to the large wildfire in April 2023 as resources, thereby reducing the burden on farmers and protecting the environment.

According to Hampyeong County on October 10, 80 tons of sawdust for bedding, produced by recycling trees felled in 26 hectares of wildfire-affected areas during the first half of this year, were provided free of charge to local Korean cattle farms through the Hampyeong County Livestock Association on October 1.

The county is carrying out a pilot project to provide free logging (collection) of trees damaged by wildfires and to supply sawdust for livestock farms based on the area logged. Since last year, the county has supplied 293 tons of pellets and sawdust for livestock bedding at no cost, helping to reduce management expenses for livestock farmers. This is the third time sawdust support has been provided.

Through this project, the county expects to recycle trees damaged by wildfires as carbon-neutral resources and offer tangible support to livestock farms, achieving both budget savings and resource circulation.

In addition, the county plans to plant Cornus fruit trees and maple trees in the wildfire-affected areas to restore the damaged forest ecosystem, respond to climate change, and utilize the restored areas as tourism resources in the future to help revitalize the local economy.

County Governor Lee Sangik stated, "The greatest significance of this project lies in converting forest by-products and disaster-damaged trees into resources that provide real benefits to farmers," adding, "We will continue to do our best to support farmers in various ways by expanding tree planting, supplying sawdust from damaged trees, and utilizing forestry resources."