CAN THE BIOFUEL INDUSTRY ACCESS BIOMASS FROM NONINDUSTRIAL PRIVATE FORESTS?

In an effort to become more energy independent, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, interest has turned to the use of alternative fuels. Biomass-based energy production has been hailed as a key element of this strategy. It also holds potential to recharge rural economies hard hit by job losses in manufacturing and agriculture over the past several decades (USDA, 2009). To date, most studies of energy biomass production have focused on the technical/economic side of the equation. Far less attention has been paid to social and cultural factors that may affect the feasibility of energy biomass production. The proposal outlined here addresses this gap by asking three nested questions: (1) Will private forest landowners (PFLs) produce and sell raw materials to wood-based biofuel production companies in sufficient quantities to meet their needs (2) What are the opportunities and concerns of communities, residents, and existing wood-based industries regarding these facilities (3) How will communities and residents respond to these opportunities and concerns Most studies of availability of biomass for energy production hold two prominent assumptions regarding landowners: (1) PFLs are able and willing to convert to the production of new raw materials with limited obstacles; and (2) they will make the transition because of the opportunity to increase profits. However, until sufficient research provides supportive evidence, there is reason for skepticism about both assumptions.