Smokey Favors Biomass Power Development

by Bruce Goodman

The biomass power industry can help reduce the spread of forest fires by cleaning highly flammable debris from the forest floor and harvested areas.  Forest fires can be fueled by small trees and brush that create fire ladders that direct fires into the crowns of  larger trees.  Biomass energy plants use this and other material to create renewable energy.  They encourage good forest management by creating a market for the excess small trees, slash and brush that can foster forest fires.  Michigan has seven biomass-fired power plants and the resources for more.  A number of coal-fired generators are looking to co-fire biomass.  Reducing the risk of Michigan forest fires by improving forest health can even reduce greenhouse gases, as decomposing dead brush and slash  releases methane.  Managed forest resources provide the state with its own source of renewable domestic fuel and Smokey the Bear with a modified slogan:  “Only you, with the help of the biomass power industry, can prevent forest fires – use it or lose it.”