Harvesting woody biomass presents both opportunities and challenges. There are some environmental benefits associated with the utilization of woody biomass for energy and other bio-based products. In addition to being a sustainable renewable energy source, the use of woody biomass …
Wood Energy and Invasive Species
Background
Humans can impact population equilibriums by introducing species from other ecosystems. While many introduced plant and animal species are unable to survive or join the native flora or fauna and do no measurable harm, others become invasive and may …
Wood Energy and Soil Productivity
by Diomy Zamora and Charlie Blinn
Soil is the fundamental resource of the forest (MFRC 2007). Without it or its productive capacity, the other resources of the forest are diminished. For example, soil productivity influences what plants can grow on …
Biodiversity and Wildlife
by Diomy Zamora and Charlie Blinn
Biological diversity (biodiversity) considers the richness and abundance of plant and animal life in an area. The three components of biodiversity are:
- Genetic diversity (variation of genes within a species or population),
- Species diversity
Wildfire Prevention and Forest Health
by Diomy Zamora and Charlie Blinn
Years of fire suppression have left many US forestlands dangerously overstocked and at risk of intense wildfire. With the rapid expansion of the wildland-urban interface in some regions, the need for fire hazard reduction …
Air Quality and Human Health
by Diomy Zamora and Charlie Blinn
Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or biological materials into the atmosphere. The two primary sources of air pollution are from natural (e.g., smoke from wildfires, volcanic activity, radon gas) and …
Climate Change and Carbon Sequestration
A successful and short- and mid-term response to the threat of climate change will be comprised of renewable energy options such as woody biomass.by Charlie Blinn, Diomy Zamora, and EL Taylor
Background
The use of biomass for energy in …
Water Quality and Quantity
by Diomy Zamora and Charlie Blinn
Water is a universal resource that sustains life and is integral to maintaining productivity of the land. Biomass harvesting and utilization for energy can affect water quality and quantity. Water quantity is the timing …