Biomass Program
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Biomass is living and recently dead biological material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production. DNR Forestry's Biomass Program deals specifically with woody biomass. Woody biomass includes logging residue (nonmerchantable tops and limbs left over from a commercial timber harvest, nonmerchantable small-diameter trees and stems, dead standing trees, and down logs), primary and secondary mill residue, dedicated energy crops, urban forest–clearing material, land-clearing material, and brushland material. |
Biomass in the News
Wood-to-Energy Roadmap 
contains recommendations on creating a sustainable national supply of woody biomass developed by a team of scientific, academic, conservation and forestry experts.
Researchers at the USDA Forest Service found that regions with the highest rates of forest product output have the lowest rates of deforestation and forest carbon emissions. In addition, regions with the highest rates of deforestation and forest carbon emissions tend to rank lowest in "industrial roundwood harvest." Full article
Biomass Business Development
Are you thinking about developing a woody biomass energy facility? Check out these resources:
- The MN Business First Stop . Created by the Minnesota State Legislature, MN Business First Stop brings together a team of professionals from several state agencies, including the Departments of Commerce, Transportation, Agriculture, Natural Resources, Employment and Economic Development, Pollution Control Agency, and Iron Range Resources to help renewable energy and clean tech companies large and small with all aspects of project development, including feedstock identification, financing, environmental permitting, and site selection.
- DNR's Utilization and Marketing Program prepares biomass supply analyses for individuals interested in developing a biomass facility. This program aims to help individuals make informed decisions regarding the most efficient and sustainable use of woody biomass resources.
- DNR's Forestry Resource Assessment Unit
is available to help quantify, locate, describe, and value forest resources; provide inventory design, cruising, data management, and analysis; and develop short- and long-range management plans that include financial, logistical, social, spatial, and temporal constraints. The unit tailors analyses to clients' management objectives, stakeholder comments, and land base characteristics.