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Introduction
 
Module 2: Forest Management for Bioenergy Production
Introduction

Silviculture, the science and art of managing forest stands and woodlands for the desired needs and values of landowners and society on a sustainable basis (11), is an integral part of forest management. Traditional silviculture developed a way for a landowner to take an existing forest stand and through planned treatments create a stand that, with time, would meet defined goals or needs. Today, forests are managed for multiple goals, one of which may be the production of biomass for bioenergy.

The term biomass has generally been used to describe woody materials that have not been economically useable for the manufacture of lumber, pulp, paper, and other timber products. Most biomass is expected to come from residues harvested after cutting for stand regeneration, and from trees cut during stand improvement, but with low market values for other purposes.

 

The emphasis of this module is on how, when and where bioenergy production can be integrated into silviculture, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the forest ecosystem.

 
This module includes 5 units that focus on forest management practices that integrate biomass harvesting for bioenergy into a management plan.
    Unit 1: Forest Management Issues
  In this unit you will learn about the issues related to biomass production and forest management such as goal setting, management plans, site attributes and stand assessment.
   Unit 2: Silvicultural Alternatives
In this unit you will learn about the options available for biomass harvesting in traditional forest management schemes.
    Unit 3: Biomass Production by Forest Type
In this unit you will become familiar with the management practices that are specific to different forest types.
    Unit 4: Designing Low Impact Operations
  This unit asks landowners to emphasize environmental sustainability in their operations.
   Unit 5: Integrating Bioenergy Harvesting With Silviculture--A California Example
  This unit provides a real-world example of a traditional forestry operation that integrates biomass harvesting into the management plan.
 
 

    After you complete all of the units, you should be able to:

 

  • Explain the Importance of Management Objectives in Forest Biomass Production.
  • Identify Stand Characteristics for Biomass Production.
  • Describe the Silviculture Practices Appropriate for Biomass Production on Your Southern Forest.
 
 
There is a post-test at the end of this module to test what you have learned.  Additionally if you are interested in learning more about a particular term related to biomass or forest management for bioenergy production please click on either the “glossary” tab in the upper navigational bar or the “additional materials” tab at the bottom of the left hand navigational bar.

 

Click the Next button at the bottom of this page to begin Unit 1: Forest Management Issues
 

 

 ©2007 National Learning Center for Private Forest and Range Landowners
"A program of the Cooperative Extension Service funded by the Renewable Resources Extension Act"
Last Updated: June 2, 2008