Overview of Forest Biomass Harvesting Guidelines

Abstract

Growing interest in bioenergy has motivated the development guidelines for the harvest and retention of forest biomass. In general, wood that would have been left on-site under traditional harvest conditions may be removed in a biomass harvest, which can mean a reduction of dead wood and other ecological effects. Recently developed biomass harvesting guidelines cover topics such as dead wood, wildlife and biodiversity, water quality and riparian zones, soil productivity, silviculture, and disturbance. This article reviews the commonalities of current guidelines and provides insights for future efforts to ensure sustainability of biomass harvests.