Wisconsin's Forestland Woody Biomass Harvesting Guidelines

Chapter 1
Introduction
Wood-based bio-energy could benefi t Wisconsin’s economy
by creating additional markets for forest products, creating
jobs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However,
concerns have been raised about the sustainability and
environmental impacts of increased removal of woody
biomass from Wisconsin’s forests. Several factors, including
Governor Jim Doyle’s clean energy initiative, a projected
increase in demand for woody biomass, a Corrective
Action Request regarding certifi ed forests, and concern
about the impacts of increased removal of woody material
from forests led the Wisconsin Council on Forestry to
sponsor the development of woody biomass harvesting
guidelines for Wisconsin. These guidelines are designed to
ensure that woody biomass is a sustainable forest product
and that increased extraction does not compromise
the long-term productivity of Wisconsin’s forestland.
Figure 1-1. Down coarse woody debris provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Eunice Padley, WI DNR
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