Biomass Utilization

Objective 7 of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Forest Management Standard directs forest landowners and managers to make the most of every tree harvested. It promotes practices that minimize waste, use harvested wood efficiently, and find productive uses for materials that might otherwise be left behind, such as tops, limbs, or low-grade wood. By supporting logger training, exploring markets for underutilized species, and balancing fiber use with other sustainability goals like soil health and wildlife habitat, this objective helps ensure that forest resources are used responsibly and provide lasting economic and environmental benefits.

Forest biomass, which is woody material that includes non-merchantable stems, tree branches and other vegetation, are becoming increasingly more important as potential sources of renewable energy or raw material for non-traditional forest products. Harvesting woody biomass from Pennsylvania’s forests could help meet the demand for alternative sources of energy and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but should not compromise other important forest functions and values – including protecting water quality, critical natural areas and communities, biodiversity, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat. Forest landowners who allow biomass harvesting should carefully follow existing best management practices and get professional assistance to maintain the health of their land.