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(63) Biomass for Energy on Non-Industrial Private Forestland: Balancing the Extension Message
John F. Munsell, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA
René H. Germain, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry,
Syracuse, NY
Concurrent Session: D1: Reaching the Forestland Owner
As interest in using wood for energy grows, so do questions about the role of non-industrial private forests as a supplier. One question of significance is how other forest products will be affected by increases in the demand for biomass. Difficulties balancing corn for ethanol production with other uses such as food foreshadow the potential complications. Forestry Extension agents are in a position to help, but must clearly address the challenges and opportunities associated with balancing woody biomass for energy and other values on working non-industrial private forestland.
Data collected on 88 recently harvested non-industrial private forests in New York and Mississippi demonstrate that pre-mature harvesting and large density removals are common. In general, these outcomes do not bode well for a sustained yield of diverse forest products. Improvements in the conversion of wood to energy could exacerbate this situation by significantly boosting demand for additional biomass. Such a result would be something akin to the Jevons Paradox which states that the consumption of a resource is often increased when improvements are made in the efficiency with which it is used. This paradox should be closely considered when developing forestry Extension programs related to woody biomass for energy on non-industrial private forestland.
A more constructive outlook suggests that large-scale woody biomass markets will improve harvesting practices by providing much needed small-diameter and low-grade markets. To demonstrate, we will present simulations using the Mississippi and New York data to describe expected yields and demonstrate that forestry practices based on silviculture can achieve an operable and sustainable synthesis of biomass removals and other forest products. Extension agents can use this information to promote using silviculture as a consistent and reliable process for balancing productivity on working non-industrial private forestland.
John F. Munsell
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
Phone: 540/231-1611
Fax: 540/231-3330
Email: jfmunsel@vt.edu