Pilot Program Overview

The Urbana Tree, also called the PGE URBANA Tree, is an epigenetically enhanced species, meaning it is not genetically engineered but possesses superior characteristics compared to its parent species (Kiri, Empress, Paulownia, Foxglove).

• Rapid Growth and Maturity: It can grow nearly 30 feet in its first year and reaches full maturity in 3–7 years, dramatically faster than the 10–15 years required for regular parent species.
• Environmental Impact: It is a powerhouse for climate mitigation:
• Consumes 11 times more carbon dioxide than regular trees.
• Produces 6 times more oxygen than regular trees.
• One acre can absorb 90 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
• Superior Wood Quality: The wood is dubbed the "Aluminum of Wood" due to its desirable qualities:
• 30% stronger than pine.
• Extremely lightweight (1/3 lighter than softwood).
• Highly resistant to water and bugs.
• Non-splitting and dries completely in 30 days without a kiln.
• Renewable Resource: The tree regrows from the same root system after harvest, ensuring a continuous and sustainable source of material.

1. High-Quality Lumber and Engineered Wood Products: The inherent superior properties of PGE URBANA wood make it ideal for:
   • Construction: High-strength lumber for residential and commercial building, providing durable and reliable materials.
   • Plywood and Particleboard: Its non-splitting nature and consistent quality will yield premium panels, enhancing current offerings in OSB, LVL, MDF, and particleboard.
   • Specialty Wood Products: Potential for new, premium-grade products based on its unique characteristics, potentially inspired by or co-developed with Indigenous communities for specific cultural or practical applications, where appropriate.

1. Biomass Energy for Operational Efficiency: With a high calorific value, PGE URBANA wood can be efficiently converted into energy through pyrolysis. This offers the global timber market the opportunity to:
   • Self-Sustain Energy Needs: Generate electricity, heat, and even cooling/ice as by-products for mill operations, reducing reliance on external energy sources and improving cost efficiency. This self-sufficiency aligns with Indigenous principles of living in balance with resources and minimizing external dependencies.
   • Reduce Carbon Footprint: Further advance carbon reduction strategies by utilizing a renewable energy source derived directly from sustainable forestry operations, contributing to environmental well-being.

1. Biochar Production: A Foundation for Innovation, Supporting Land Health: The pyrolysis of PGE URBANA wood yields 25-40% biochar by weight. This stable carbon form is a valuable commodity with diverse applications, echoing Indigenous practices of soil enrichment and sustainable agriculture:
   • Soil Amendment & Carbon Sequestration: Improves soil health, increases agricultural yield, and permanently sequesters carbon, supporting regenerative agriculture initiatives. This directly benefits the land, a cornerstone of Indigenous land stewardship.
   • Water Filtration: Excellent absorbent properties make it valuable for water purification systems, a critical resource for all communities.
   • Animal Feed Additives: Potential for specialized nutritional supplements, reflecting a holistic approach to resource utilization.

1. High-Grade Graphene Synthesis: The Future is Now, Built on Sustainable Foundations: This is where the PGE URBANA Tree truly sets itself apart. Its unique open-cell, crystalline structure is a superior feedstock for graphene production.
   • Enhanced Yield and Quality: Compared to other wood types like Eucalyptus and Pine, PGE URBANA biochar can be processed into higher quality and quantity of graphene.
   • Significant Revenue Potential: A single cord of PGE URBANA Tree biomass can yield approximately 37.5 to 120 pounds of high-grade graphene. Considering an acre of 450 trees could produce 16,200 to 81,000 lbs of graphene, with high-grade graphene commanding over $500/lb, the revenue potential is immense, ranging from $1.6 million to $40.5 million per acre.
   • Strategic Market Entry: The global graphene market is projected to reach $100 million by 2027, driven by high demand in electric vehicle batteries, electronics, advanced composites, and water filtration. This offers a strategic entry into a high-growth, high-margin sector for the global timber market, leveraging existing timber expertise while creating opportunities for respectful engagement and potential partnerships with Indigenous communities.

1. Other High-Value Bio-Products, Embracing Diversity: The potential of the PGE URBANA Tree extends even further, providing opportunities for a broader range of sustainable products, echoing the diverse uses of forest resources found in Indigenous cultures:
   • Honey Production: Each acre can yield 100 liters of honey annually, providing an additional, unexpected revenue stream and promoting biodiversity and pollinator health, key aspects of ecosystem balance.
   • Bioplastics, Biochemicals, and Medicinal Uses: Further research and development could unlock significant opportunities in these emerging bio-industries, aligning with the innovative spirit of the global timber market and potentially drawing on Indigenous knowledge of plants for medicinal or other specialized purposes, when appropriate and with proper protocols.

The program is structured as a joint venture where landowners dedicate acreage (planting up to 450 trees per acre) to establish Urbana Tree farms. The estimated economic value of each Urbana Tree is between $2,000 and $5,000