Bioenergy from trees: using cost-effective thinning to reduce forest fire hazards

Abstract

Increasingly large and severe wildfires threaten millions of forested acres throughout the West. Under certain conditions, mechanical thinning can address these hazardous conditions while providing opportunitiesto create renewable energy and reduce our carbon footprint but how do land managers decide whether thinning is a good idea? How do they decide where to begin, and what to do with the removed trees? Prioritizing treatment areas and determining the most effective techniques for fuel hazard reduction depends on various factors such as owner objectives, forest types, and the availability of processing facilities.

Based on science by Jeremy Fried, and Jamie Barbour

Citation

Oliver, Marie. 2009. Bioenergy from trees: using cost-effective thinning to reduce forest fire hazards. Science Findings 117. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 5 p.