Evaluation of Biomass Harvesting Impacts on Minnesota’s Forests

University of Minnesota

Quick Facts

Recipient: 
University of Minnesota
Source: 
Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund
Recipient Type: 
Public College/University
Status: 
In Progress
Activity Type: 
Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Inventory, Modeling, Monitoring, Research
Counties Affected 
Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, St. Louis, Todd, Wadena

Minnesota’s forests are currently being viewed as potential feedstocks for the production of renewable energy. A primary concern about harvesting forest biomass to generate renewable energy is the long-term impacts these harvests will have on soil nutrients and long-term ecosystem production, such as forest growth, carbon storage, and wildlife habitat. With this appropriation, scientists at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Forest Resources are evaluating the ecological impacts of forest biomass harvesting in northern Minnesota. Results from this effort will be used by the energy industry and forestry professionals in both the public and private sector to guide long-term management that maximizes harvesting without negatively impacting forest productivity and ecological integrity.

Project Details

Work Plan

Status: 
In Progress
Start Date: 
July 2011
End Date: 
June 2014

Project Details by Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year(s): 
2012
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03h
Appropriation Language 

$175,000 the first year and $175,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess the impacts biomass harvests for energy have on soil nutrients, native forest vegetation, invasive species spread, and long-term tree productivity within Minnesota's forests. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$175,000
Other Funds Leveraged: 
$0
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s) 

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Measurable Outcome(s) 

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Fiscal Year(s): 
2013
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 2, Art.3, Sec. 2, Subd. 03h
Appropriation Language 

$175,000 the first year and $175,000 the second year are from the trust fund to the Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota to assess the impacts biomass harvests for energy have on soil nutrients, native forest vegetation, invasive species spread, and long-term tree productivity within Minnesota's forests. This appropriation is available until June 30, 2014, by which time the project must be completed and final products delivered.

Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$175,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s) 

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Measurable Outcome(s) 

Click on "Work Plan" under "Project Details".

Project Manager

Anthony
D'Amato
U of MN
1530 N Cleveland Ave
St. Paul
MN
55108
(612) 625-3733
Email: 
damato@umn.edu
Related Topics: 
University of Minnesota , Agriculture/Forestry/Mining, Biological Diversity, Natural Areas and Habitat, Renewable Energy, Analysis/Interpretation, Assessment/Evaluation, Inventory, Modeling, Monitoring, Research, Environment & Natural Resources Trust Fund, Public College/University, Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pennington, Pine, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, St. Louis, Todd, Wadena