Biomass - Sonoma County Forest Conservation Working Group

Biomass

Introduction to Forest Biomass

Woody biomass is one category within the larger umbrella of biomass, which is defined as any organic plant and animal material as well as products and residues generated from these materials. Woody biomass comprises residues of the wood processing industry, post-consumer woody waste materials and agricultural residues in addition to material arising from forest management or fuels reduction activities. Forest biomass includes small-diameter woody material, damaged or low-valued trees, the branches and tops (slash) and diseased or insect infested wood. (credit: UCANR)

Forestland UCANR

Forestland Stewards: Forest Biomass Use

What can we do with the excess biomass? Forest management often involves thinning some of the dense growth, whether for fire safety, habitat restoration, or other management objectives. But finding a dependable market or other use for that material has proven difficult.

oaec gully stuffing

Small woody biomass can repair gully erosion

One way of stabilizing and repairing gullies is to pack them with brush in order to slow the flow and distribute the energy of water, trap soil and leaf litter particles, and ultimately arrest sediment delivery downstream.

CBD biomass guide book

Center for Biological Diversity

Forest biomass — fuel derived from the burning or heating of growing things, like trees and other plants — has long enjoyed a reputation as a clean, green and renewable alternative to fossil fuels. That green reputation, however, is tarnishing. Forest Bioenergy Briefing Book March 2021

Yale Forestry interview with Moonmaw

Why Keeping Mature Forests Intact Is Key to the Climate Fight

Preserving mature forests can play a vital role in removing CO2 from the atmosphere, says policy scientist William Moomaw. In an e360 interview, he talks about the importance of existing forests and why the push to cut them for fuel to generate electricity is misguided.

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