Family Woodland Owners Have New Opportunities With Emerging Biomass
Energy Markets

RALEIGH -- With demand for fuel wood rising as the biomass energy market expands, North Carolina’s family woodland owners
are well-placed to enhance their assets, reduce overhead and maybe even turn a profit. To educate landowners, N.C.
Cooperative Extension is holding free dinner program across the state in September. Co-sponsors include the state’s
Division of Forest Resources and the U.S. Forest Service.

Every woodland produces so-called “trash trees” – tree species that are not in high demand for construction or furniture markets.
But rising needs for wood-fueled energy by utilities and manufacturers, and the increase in facilities that use wood for heat,
have increased the value of the trees.

According to Robert Bardon, Forestry Department Extension leader and associate professor at N.C. State University, “The
biomass energy markets are just getting started, but we want the state’s landowners to be prepared to take advantage of the
economic opportunities ahead. The result will be good for individual landowners, forest health and safety.”

Proper woodland management to harvest trees, preserve wildlife, reduce forest fire risk and reduce disease, pests and invasive
species always required harvesting the trees. But now landowners may receive value or reduce management overhead as
energy markets grow.

“Anything landowners can do to reduce the risk of forest fires increases safety. Harvesting for biomass also reduces pests,
disease and invasive species. Healthier forests are less apt to burn, so we welcome the recent incentives for proper forest
management,”advised Brian Haines, spokesperson for the N.C. Division of Forest Resources.

Landowners that attend the session will be served dinner and the latest news and research on recent policy changes, emerging biomass markets, best practices for biomass harvesting and tips on choosing reputable contractors. The program is free, but registration is required. To attend the September 4, program located at Wilkes County Extension Center, contact Bill Hanlin at 336-651-7331.