Forest Biomass Harvesting in the Northeast: A Special-Needs Operation?

Abstract

There is growing interest in harvesting forest biomass to meet the needs of bioenergy and bioproducts facilities in the Northeast. This interest is accompanied by increased concern over the potential impacts of biomass removals on forest ecosystems. Debates over biomass proposals have revealed a considerable level of confusion over the term biomass harvest, much of which stems from ambiguity surrounding the term forest biomass. Indeed, all forest material removed during harvest is forest biomass, yet many view only a small portion of this—typically low-value chipped material—as biomass. Since much of this material is destined for use as energy, we feel that communication among the public, foresters, academics, and industry representatives would improve by referring to forest biomass of this nature as what it really is: energy wood. Once terms are clarified, it is easier to understand how concerns with market dynamics, soil productivity, water quality, and forest biodiversity can be addressed through forest policy development.