Treesearch
Chip and truck: Comparing the cost of using trees to heat buildings
| Authors: | Robin Silverstein, Dan Loeffler, J. Greg Jones, Dave E. Calkin, Hans Zuuring, Martin Twer |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Type: | Natural Inquirer |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Source: | Natural Inquirer. 9(1): 26-34. |
Download (PDF 12.67 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/52976.pdf
Abstract
In the Western United States, many of the forests have too many small trees (figure 1). These small trees increase the risk of wildfire. Forest managers, therefore, want to remove the small trees. Some scientists believe these small trees may be a good source of fuel. To explore this possibility, a program called "Fuels for Schools" was created in Montana. As a part of this program, a special facility was built near the schools. This facility takes woodchips from surrounding forests and burns them to create thermal energy. Schools were chosen because they are public buildings and might benefit from being able to save fuel costs.