Forest biomass and tree planting for fossil fuel offsets in the Colorado Front Range

Michael A. Battaglia; Kellen Nelson; Dan Kashian; Michael G. Ryan

Treesearch

Forest biomass and tree planting for fossil fuel offsets in the Colorado Front Range

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Michael A. Battaglia, Kellen Nelson, Dan Kashian, Michael G. Ryan

Year:

2010

Type:

Proceedings

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

In: Jain, Theresa B.; Graham, Russell T.; Sandquist, Jonathan. Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID. Proceedings RMRS-P-61. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 81-93.

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Abstract

This study estimates the amount of carbon available for removal in fuel reduction and reforestation treatments in montane forests of the Colorado Front Range based on site productivity, pre-treatment basal area, and planting density. Thinning dense stands will yield the greatest offsets for biomass fuel. However, this will also yield the greatest carbon losses, if the removals remain on site to decompose. Stands that regrow the biomass removed will recover the carbon. However, if these treatments are maintained at low basal areas, then the treatments may permanently convert a large quantity of carbon from the forest to the atmosphere.

Parent Publication

Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID.

Keywords

ponderosa pine, carbon, wildfire risk, FVS, biomass

Citation

Battaglia, Mike A.; Nelson, Kellen; Kashian, Dan; Ryan, Michael G. 2010. Forest biomass and tree planting for fossil fuel offsets in the Colorado Front Range. In: Jain, Theresa B.; Graham, Russell T.; Sandquist, Jonathan. Integrated management of carbon sequestration and biomass utilization opportunities in a changing climate: Proceedings of the 2009 National Silviculture Workshop; 2009 June 15-18; Boise, ID. Proceedings RMRS-P-61. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 81-93.