Improving Health of Forests Needed for Renewable Energy

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Western states and territories are improving the health of their forests while at the same time producing renewable energy, according to a recent summary report developed by the Western Forestry Leadership Coalition.

Over 80 million acres of unhealthy, overly-stocked forests exist in the western US. These forests, and the surrounding communities, are at high risk for catastrophic wildfire – the kind that will cause damage to property, people, critical habitats and watersheds. “With the increased demand for renewable energy and the need to protect communities and forests, it is a perfect fit to turn wood waste into a renewable source of energy,” states Rick Cables, US Forest Service Rocky Mountain Regional Forester and Executive Board member of the Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC).

To gain a better understanding of the successful elements of wood biomass systems in the west the WFLC surveyed western states and territories examining wood heating systems and the potential for future projects.  The summary shows that nearly all western states have embraced using wood fuel for heat. Related cost savings range from $7,500 for small operations to $1,000,000 per year on large ones. In some instances, the initial set-up costs can be recovered within a few years. However, the benefits of converting wood biomass to fuel are numerous and invaluable including wildfire prevention, healthier forests, cleaner watersheds and creating jobs. “Reducing the intensity of wildfires is one of the most important ways we can help climate change,” according to Bill Crapser, Wyoming State Forester and Chair for the Council of Western State Foresters. According to The Forest Foundation, wildfires in the California alone release millions of tons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere every year. “Biomass (wood waste) systems are clean-burning, making a positive contribution to reducing emissions that contribute to climate change,” says Crapser.

The report summary identifies 25 projects in operation, 9 projects in the implementation phase and 44 future projects. The majority of the pending/future projects are waiting on funding and/or availability of wood waste supply. If these pending projects become operational, it will more than double the amount of wood waste being recycled into energy. The 2008 Farm Bill provides opportunities for wood-to-energy programs within the forestry and energy titles. If those provisions are funded, there would likely be an opportunity for these wood heating efforts to be expanded. In an effort to encourage the use of woody biomass, the president has set a national goal of 35 billion gallons of renewable and alternative fuels by 2017. However, as currently defined, woody biomass from national forests cannot be counted as meeting this goal. “Redefining woody biomass to include wood waste from Federal lands is a critical component to the success of these and other renewable energy projects,” states Crapser.

The success of these renewable energy projects, their significant annual cost savings, and the rising price of fossil fuels will continue to support the viability of this renewable fuel alternative into the future.

This report can found on-line at www.wflcweb.org/infomaterials/reports.php. For information on projects in your state please use the contact above or the WFLC member directory at http://www.wflcweb.org/about/member_directory.php

The Western Forestry Leadership Coalition (WFLC) is a partnership between Western State Forestry Agencies and the Western USDA Forest Service.  The WFLC has staff support based in Denver, CO. The mission of the WFLC is to serve the values of society and ensure the health and sustainability of western forests. For more information please visit www.wflcweb.org