The USDA Forest Service and Climate Hub will hold an Economic Tradeoffs and the Future of Forest Bioenergy in Climate Change Mitigation webinar on February 4th at 1 pm EST
Silvicultural treatments for forest restoration and fuels management generate woody biomass in the form of tops, branches, foliage, small trees and unmerchantable logs. These materials are often burned on-site to reduce wildfire risk and improve site conditions but can be used to produce bio-based heat, power, fuels, chemicals, biochar, and other bioproducts.
Use of these materials can contribute to rural economic development, enhance regional energy security, reduce the net cost of forest management, reduce risks associated with severe wildfire, and help mitigate climate change.
This presentation will provide an overview of forest bioenergy, its challenges and opportunities from an economic perspective, and explore mechanisms for overcoming major barriers to bioenergy’s expansion to support a vibrant bioeconomy and sustainable forest management.