Forest Biomass Work Group meets September 15 in Salem

September 8, 2009

Contact: Kevin Weeks (503) 945-7427

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

The Forest Biomass Work Group will meet on Tuesday, September 15th at 10:00 a.m. in the Administration Building (Tillamook meeting room) at the Oregon Department of Forestry complex, 2600 State Street in Salem.

Discussion about innovative fuel technologies and their application to Oregon’s forests is expected, including updates on recent demonstrations of fast pyrolysis wood-to-oil conversion systems and forest biomass cellulosic ethanol fuel systems.

Additional items scheduled on the agenda for the meeting include two presentations on innovative biomass-to-energy systems, analysis of biomass-related policy or tax credit legislation in the 2009 legislative session and discussion of current fuel-reduction projects in Oregon forests created by federal stimulus funding.

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. Forest biomass is a renewable source of energy, as wood biomass is generated as a by-product of active forest management.

The public is invited to attend 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

(503) 945-7427