Forest Products Utilization and Marketing

Biomass

There is little waste in the use of a harvested tree. All of the tree can be used, even when its leaves and branches have been left on the harvest site to regenerate minerals for the soil. There is a growing industry using what used to be considered waste, like sawdust. This "waste" has many uses, from creating wood composites to fuels. Many people are looking into options of wood stoves and boilers for heating their homes, schools or businesses. There are a variety of wood-burning devices and manufacturers have products available such as fuel logs, wood pellets that have been produced from sawdust, and chippings from timber mills.

You can use this calculator [exit DNR] to see if you will save by using wood burning devices.

Many people are curious about the use of wood for biofuel. At this time the US Forest Products Laboratory in Madison is now testing the use fiberized pulp for bioethanol production. Development of profitable bio refineries will help reduce the cost of forest management, dependence on fossil fuels, and production of greenhouse gases.

Guidance for effective use of woody biomass to meet Wisconsin's growing demands for energy and fuel is being sought by the Wisconsin Council on Forestry [exit DNR] Biomass Task Force initiated by Governor Jim Doyle's Council on Forestry. Biomass harvesting guidelines are also being developed.