Woodland Owners Biomass Field Day

August 3, 2007—August 3, 2007
8:30 AM–4:00 PM

Biomass is becoming a buzzword in Minnesota. Interest in the use of biomass for energy in Minnesota is increasing. Major sources of biomass include logging slash, products from pre-commercial forestry treatments, and brushland harvest. Harvesting and utilizing biomass from woodlands provide various benefits including improving the health and productivity of the forest. This biomass field day aims to answer the following questions: 1) Are there existing markets for woody biomass? 2) How does biomass harvesting and utilization create new management opportunities for private landowners? 3) Can biomass harvesting serve as a tool for wildlife management in the woodlands? 4) What are the impacts of biomass harvesting on soil productivity? 5) Is carbon sequestration payment an option to increase income for landowners?

This biomass field day is for woodland landowners who are interested in understanding the opportunities that exist in biomass harvesting and utilization to improve their forestlands and generate income. Natural resources professionals and loggers are also encouraged to attend. This is a Woodland Advisor Program class that offers 2 elective credits. Continuing education credits will also be available for Certified Foresters, Forest Stewardship Plan Preparers, Loggers and others.

Morning Session:
Carbon sequestration payments for forest landowners - current options as well as future potential - Speaker: Dean Current, CINRAM

Using biomass harvest to enhance wildlife/birdlife in your forested areas- Speaker: Jodie Provost, Minnesota DNR

Biomass Energy Opportunities for Minnesota - Speakers: Keith Jacobson and Lance Sorenson, Minnesota DNR

Soil Productivity Impacts of Biomass Harvesting - Speaker: Dick Rossman, Minnesota DNR

Marketing and Sales of Biomass: Potential Market for Woody Biomass - Speakers: Keith Jacobson and Lance Sorenson, MN DNR

Biomass Income from Brushland, Plantation and Forest Management: Options for Landowners - Speaker: Dean Current, Center for Integrated and Natural Resources and Agricultural Management (CINRAM), University of Minnesota

Biomass Marketing to Generation Markets - Speaker: Mike Polzin, Minnesota Power

Laurentian Energy Authority: Renewable Biomass - Combined Heat Power and Power Energy Production - Speakers: Jim Kochevar and Terry Leoni, Virgina-Hibbing Public Utilities

Central Minnesota Ethanol Coop- Biomass Gasification and Electric Cogeneration Demonstration Plant - Speaker: Kerry Nixon, Central Minnesota Ethanol Cooperative.

Afternoon Session:
Bus trip to visit the Rapid Energy Center (for the Grand Rapids session) and the Central Minnesota Ethanol Plant (for the Little Falls session). A visit to a previously logged area would also be part of the afternoon session. Cook Logging will operate a Peterson Pacific Horizontal Grinder at the NCROC for the August 2 demonstration in Grand Rapids. A Tub-Grinder equipment will also be in operation during the field tour for the Little Falls session. Dress for the weather. Participants wishing to visit the Rapids Energy Center are advised to wear steel toed safety shoes. Hardhats and safety glasses will be provided.

This event will also be offered in Grand Rapids on August 2.

Location: Morrison County Government Center
213 First Ave SE
Little Falls, MN

Registration: Before July 27, 2007: $20 After July 27, 2007: $25
Registration costs include lunch
Contact Diomy Zamora for a registration form

For more information
Diomy Zamora
888-241-0720
zamor015@umn.edu

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