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Home>BURN-UP Information
Biomass Utilization and Restoration Network in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (BURN-UP)
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Numerous partners are working jointly on a multi-faceted woody biomass utilization project for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (UP). The project is promoting opportunities in the UP to facilitate the development of an active and commercially viable woody biomass industry. Michigan forests are being impacted by development, increased recreational use, and invasive insects, diseases and plants. Forest stand improvement, hazard fuel reduction, forest health treatments, and other non-commercial activities are necessary to the long term health and sustainability of forest ecosystems. The use of woody biomass offers opportunities to decrease the cost, or make profitable, needed forest treatments.
Activities that are being conducted within the scope of this project include: providing technical assistance to schools and other institutions that are interested in converting their heating systems to utilize woody biomass as fuel; showcasing woody biomas harvest demonstration sites on different forest types to provide education on sustainable methods of biomass harvest; working with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Forest Management Advisory Committee to create guidelines for sustainable forest management for harvesting woody biomass; and creating an on-line woody biomass information clearinghouse, including soil ratings and limitations on specific sites. This project capitalizes on efforts that promote economic stability and healthy forests through natural resources management. The UP will benefit greatly from the new Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) and the Community Wood Energy Program, both part of the 2008 Farm Bill. It also paves the way for private landowners to harvest woody biomass, as well as establish biomass plantings, to reclaim and better utilize abandoned lands in Michigan’s UP.
The BURN-UP Project is funded through a grant awarded by the Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry Division of the U.S. Forest Service.
Visit the BURN-UP Website for more information:
www.upwoodybiomass.org
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This page last updated on 1/21/2009.
COPYRIGHT © 2005 UP RC&D | 780 COMMERCE DR, SUITE C, MARQUETTE, MI 49855 | 906.226.7487
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