July - Sept., 2007
News from Missouri
Most of my time lately has been tied up by trying to stay abreast of woody biomass issues. I have been to several conferences on biomass and am learning as much as possible.
There are several potential uses for woody biomass (examples of woody biomass are tree tops, small diameter trees, and cull logs). Electric and heat can be generated out of burning wood chips through different technologies to power generators and the use of steam for heat. Cellulosic ethanol can also be made out of wood.
The word "cellulosic" was new to me until about a year and a half ago, and now I have been hearing it everywhere! So what is it? Cellulosic ethanol can be made out of cellulose found in all plant matter. Corn stover, switch-grass, and wood are the primary feed-stocks used in cellulosic ethanol production.
Technology to break down the cellulose is still being heavily research. The two conversion platforms that exist to break down cellulose into building blocks for ethanol are sugar or biological and thermochemical. These current technologies are still fairly expensive to apply. It is still the common belief that better technology which should cost less to produce a gallon of cellulosic ethanol is 3-5 years away.
Woody biomass has been used for many years in Missouri. Wood pellets are currently being produced in Missouri, and this is a good way to utilize sawdust. The wood pellets are used for heating homes and buildings. Charcoal has been produced out of woody biomass for many years, using sawdust to make the briquettes.
I am currently involved with two projects that involved the future of woody biomass in Missouri. The first project involves writing Best Management Practices (BMPs), guidelines for woody biomass harvesting. The Top-of-the-Ozarks RC&D applied for and received a grant to write the BMPs with the partnership of several other cooperators including MDC. This process is going to involve talking to stakeholder groups and using professionals in fields such as soils, forest management, forest ecology, wildlife, and hydrology to write the BMPs. These BMPs should give guidance in the future sustainability of our forest, wildlife habitat, and water quality.
The second project I have been working on is the "Wood to Energy" or Jump Start grant. University of Missouri Extension Forester Hank Stelzer and MDC are partnering on conducting community meetings in three locations in southern Missouri. This project will hopefully stir up community interest in using wood to generate some of their energy needs.
I am not sure where the future of using woody biomass will go in Missouri. I do intend to stay informed about its possible uses. I intend to help facilitate its usage as long as it can be done in a way that will enhance forest sustainability.
If you have any questions concerning woody biomass you can give me a call. John Tuttle (573) 522-4115 ext 3304.