The potential for biomass harvesting on family forestland
Increased use of biomass fuels is a promising option to decrease our dependence on foreign oil while reducing greenhouse emissions. The use of ethanol as transportation fuels also produces less sulfur, carbon monoxide, and particulates. The largest potential supply sources are from forest based woody biomass followed by urban wood residues. Since over 75% of forests in Massachusetts are owned by non-industrial private forest owners, gaining a better understanding of their attitudes towards biomass harvesting and energy production is critical to determining the viability of biomass. Our project will investigate the attitudes of forest landowners towards biomass.
