Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Northern Journal of Applied Forestry

Publisher

Society of American Foresters

Rights and Access Note

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

Publication Date

6-2010

Publisher location

Bethesda, MD, USA

First Page

45

Last Page

49

Volume Number

27

Abstract/ Summary

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.

Citation/Publisher Attribution

Benjamin, J., Lilieholm, R.J., & Coup, C. 2010. Forest Biomass Harvesting in the Northeast: A Special-Needs Operation? Northern Journal of Applied Forestry Volume 27, Number 2, 1 June 2010, pp. 45-49(5)

Publisher Statement

© 2010 Society of American Foresters

Version

post-print (i.e. final draft post-refereeing with all author corrections and edits)

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In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.