Forest biomass retention and harvesting guidelines

The Forest Guild Southeast Biomass Working Group has produced guidelines for the Southeast United States.

The guideline was produced in February 2012 through the contributions of the Working Group members and Forest Guild Staff. The document is titled “Forest Biomass Retention Guidelines for the Southeast”. Forest biomass has the potential to be a reliable source of renewal energy that supports local economies. Therefore, guidelines needed to be put in place that assists with determining the quantities of biomass that could be removed or should be retained. The guideline covers the following areas:
 

• Background – Rationale for having the guidelines is supplied and definitions described.
• Guidelines for biomass retention and harvesting for all forest types – This section covers protecting rare species and forests, retention of foliage and downed woody material, retention of forest structures for biodiversity, water quality, and harvesting and operations.
• Relevant research for Southeastern forest types – Relevant research carried out to determine biomass quantities in the various forest types is documented.
• Carbon considerations – the carbon accounting aspects of biomass utilisation are investigated.
• Resources and references – The references used to compile the guideline as provided.

Source: www.forestguild.org/publications/research/2012/FG_Biomass_Guidelines_SE.pdf