Use of Woody Biomass

At its June 2007 meeting the Wisconsin Council on Forestry decided to focus its energy on woody biomass towards:

  • Harvesting and transportation issues relative to woody biomass.
  • Outreach education and identification of barriers specific to woody biomass.

Efforts in Progress

Woody Biomass Harvesting Guideline Development for Forestland in Wisconsin

In September 2007, the Council decided to sponsor the WDNR Division of Forestry in an effort to develop guidelines for the harvest of woody biomass on Wisconsin’s forestlands. Guideline development will build on the work done by the Minnesota Forest Resources Council. The process will include expert review, stakeholder advisory committee input, and approval by the Wisconsin Council on Forestry. The guidelines are expected to be completed by December 2008. If approved, these guidelines may become part of Wisconsin’s Forest Management Guidelines.

 

Guideline Objectives

The guidelines will focus on the sustainable harvest of woody biomass from forested areas within the context of generally accepted forestry practices, while protecting soil, water, and biodiversity that are characteristic of sustainable forest ecosystems. Recommendations will be based on the best available information regarding harvesting effects on forest ecosystems. Although it is always an option not to harvest biomass, these guidelines are intended for cases where biomass harvesting is being planned or considered.

 

The objective is to provide guidance to forest resource managers, loggers, equipment operators, contractors, and landowners in Wisconsin. The guidelines will facilitate operational analysis and informed decision-making regarding the harvest of woody biomass from forestland. Attention to Minnesota’s guidelines will ensure a greater degree of consistency for individuals and institutions that work across the Wisconsin-Minnesota border. The guidelines will provide a tool to enable sustainable forest management.

April 29 Advisory Committee Meeting Materials

June 19 Advisory Committee Meeting Materials

Concluded Efforts

The Wisconsin Council on Forestry has convened a Woody Biomass Task Force, chaired by Bill Horvath, to help craft public policy and a legislative framework for more effective use of woody biomass to meet Wisconsin's growing demands for energy and fuel.