Oregon Department of Forestry

NEWS BRIEF

Forest Biomass Work Group meets November 25 in Salem

November 18, 2008

Contact: Kevin Weeks (503) 945-7427

A panel of representatives from state government, forest industries, renewable energy development and the environmental community will meet to talk about the role of Oregon’s forests in providing energy production from wood.

The Forest Biomass Work Group will meet on Tuesday November 25 at 10:00 a.m. in the Administration Building (Tillamook meeting room) of the Oregon Department of Forestry complex, 2600 State Street in Salem.

Forest biomass is a renewable source of energy, as wood biomass is produced as a by-product of active forest management. Timber that may not have a market saw-log value -- either from being too small, damaged, waste from mill production or being too far from a potential milling market – holds great potential for producing energy.

The proposed agenda for the meeting includes a review of a draft report prepared for the Oregon Legislature regarding forest biomass removal and the impact on soil, plant, air, water, and wildlife resources. 

The public is invited to attend and participate in the meeting. Questions about accessibility or special accommodations for the meeting can be directed to the Oregon Department of Forestry at (503) 945-7427.

Additional information about the Oregon Department of Forestry is available on ODF’s web site, www.oregon.gov/ODF.

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Kevin Weeks

Public Information Officer

ODF Agency Affairs / Private Forests Division

(503) 945-7427