Browsing by Author "Current, Dean A."

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    2010 Outlook for Forest Biomass Availability in Minnesota: Physical, Environmental, Economic, and Social Availability
    (University of Minnesota, 2010-10) Becker, Dennis R.; Klapperich, Jonathan J.; Domke, Grant M.; Kilgore, Michael A.; D’Amato, Anthony W.; Current, Dean A.; Ek, Alan R.
    The growing interest and investment in forest biomass for energy production in Minnesota has created the need for accurate estimates of supply. This report estimates the total physical supply of residual forest biomass in Minnesota using a spreadsheet based Forest Age Class Change Simulator (FACCS) to model changes in forest growth and productivity at different harvest target levels, biomass retention levels, forest type, ownership, and biomass attribute (e.g., bolewood, limbs and tops). The findings are presented statewide and by region for different harvest levels and forest management scenarios. Total economic and social availability are further modeled for private woodland owners to determine the probability of their willingness to sell biomass in conjunction with ongoing forest management activities.  The results provide a transparent analysis of biomass availability that illuminates policy dialogue and planning regarding the incremental increases in demand for forest biomass and the level of production that is ecologically sustainable within an area.
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    Assessment of Carbon Flows Associated with Forest Management and Biomass Procurement for the Laskin Biomass Facility
    (University of Minnesota, 2008-11-22) Domke, Grant M.; Ek, Alan R.; Becker, Dennis R.; Espeleta, Javier F.; D’Amato, Anthony W.; Reich, Peter B.; Suh, Sangwon; Kilgore, Michael A.; Current, Dean A.; Hoganson, Howard M.; Burk, Thomas E.; Blinn, Charles R.
    This carbon life cycle analysis of forest-derived biomass was developed as part of a larger assessment by Minnesota Power detailing fuel supply, fuel procurement plans, and project engineering for a new 26-megawatt biomass generation facility in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. Forest-derived biomass is a renewable fuel that can be procured locally from forest harvest residues, mill residues, material from early thinnings and land cleaning, short rotation woody crops, brush, and urban wood waste. Energy generation from renewable fuels like forest biomass may dramatically alter the carbon balance in comparison to the use of fossil fuels like coal or natural gas. This study identifies the source and rate of carbon accumulation by tracking key inputs and outputs from forests through the conversion, regrowth and management activities over a 100-year period—the net carbon impact.