TIMBER BIOMASS OFFERS INCREASED RETURNS TO TIMBER OWNERS
Extension Education
Elvin Andrews
Naylor
Abstract
Lanier and Clinch Counties have 500,000 acres of timber land where nearly $30 million of timber is harvested each year. After harvest the timber residue is normally pushed and burned. This is an added cost to the land owner. Some new strategies for residue left on cut over timber land include pine mulch for increased plantings of blueberries, mulch for landscaping, and biomass for heat, power and biofuels. A Lanier County timber harvesting company purchased a grinder to mulch residue left from the harvested timber. Lanier County Extension Coordinator (CEC) worked with blueberry growers to find a less expensive mulch to amend blueberry soil. The cost of mulched pine residue from the grinder saved $400/load compared to pine bark purchased to amend the soil. The USDA now has a Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP). BCAP provides financial assistance to producers or entities that deliver eligible biomass material to designated biomass conversion facilities for use as heat, power, biobased products or biofuels. Initial assistance will be for the Collection, Harvest, Storage and Transportation (CHST) costs associated with the delivery of eligible materials up to $45 per ton. The dollar value for these materials will be based on the type of timber and amount of residue. Lanier CEC collaborated with USDA Farm Service Agency CED working with timber companies to increase awareness of the new USDA biomass program. These are two new sources of income for Southeast Georgia timber producers that have not been available in the past.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: E.L. Andrews
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Andrews, E. County Extension Coordinator, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Georgia, 31635