Southern Research Station Headquarters - Asheville, NC
Main Logo of Southern Research Station, Stating: Southern Research Station - Asheville, NC, with a saying of 'Science you can use!'
[Images] Five photos of different landscape

Congressional Corner

Southwide Initiatives

Emerging Issues in the South

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The Southern Research Station is part of the Nation's largest forestry research organization -- USDA Forest Service Research and Development -- the leading organization for research on natural resource management and sustainability in the United States. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Southern Research Station serves 13 Southern States and beyond. Its staff of over 130 scientists is organized into Research Work Units with science technicians and other support personnel, who work at various locations throughout the region: Federal laboratories, universities, and experimental forests.

Since the beginning of the 20th Century, the Southern Research Station's researchers have excelled in studies on temperate and tropical forests, forest resources, and forest products and activities. These studies provide a wealth of long-term data sets and conclusions on the dynamics of tree plantations and natural stands, watershed management, and wildlife habitats. Guided by a Strategic Framework updated in 2006, our mission is to create the science and technology needed to sustain and enchance southern forest ecosystems and benefits they provide. Forest Science in the South - 2006 summarizes budget information, highlights the year's accomplishments, and list publications.



Small logo of the USDASmall logo of the Forest Service Shield



Emerging Issues in the South

Utilization of Forest Biomass
The South has abundant forest resources and a distributed infrastructure in rural areas with potential for processing forest biomass for energy. Our research embraces our existing forest based economy to improve risk management by deploying sustainable healthy forest strategies and restoration options. We contribute to the well-being of the United States by providing the scientific and environmentally responsible technology to achieve cost-effective and efficient biomass utilization.

Program Overview

[PHOTO] Large pile of wood Station research in forest biomass utilization advances the U.S. economy, energy supply, environment, human health, and national security in ways that help address issues surrounding climate change, alternative energy sources, and sustainability. Forest biomass, such as firewood, has been an effective energy source for decades. The South has abundant forest biomass and is uniquely positioned within an existing rural forest-based economic system with potential to process this supply for renewable energy. Station research harnesses and creates value added opportunities for the South’s forest based economy. Researchers improve environmental and ecological risk by deploying sustainable healthy forest management strategies to public and private lands.









Program Performance

[PHOTO] Trees with water front The Station houses valuable forest biomass inventory and availability data, in addition to research capacity in productivity of woody crops, forest harvesting methods for small-diameter trees, and utilization of forest biomass for energy and value added products. With partners in the university and industry communities, researchers are evaluating market, policy, economic and ecological implications of alternative forest resource uses including energy. Also, scientists are performing studies of sitespecific biomass production, including economic and environmental impact studies, life cycle analysis, and rural development potential.









Program Highlights

The Station evaluates a full range of economic and environmental implications of biomass removal to provide cost-effective and efficient biomass utilization technology. Scientists are examining opportunities to use biomass to restore marginal agricultural land to forest. Research is focused on improving silvicultural practices on less productive sites, protecting riparian zones, enhancing wildlife habitat, and providing economical and affordable benefits for landowners. Station research supports web-based technology transfer tools to inform and train forest managers and community developers interested in growing, harvesting, transporting, and processing biomass for value added products. Activities will target historically underserved audiences.





Research Potential

[PHOTO] Tractors working in a forest The Southern Research Station’s scientific potential centers on forest products, biomass harvesting, utilization and productivity, bio-energy and value added products, agroforestry, silviculture and genetics, and wood quality from natural and managed forest ecosystems. Further study is needed to—
  • Provide, sustain, and enhance environmental, ecological and economic benefits to the Southern Region.
  • Assess the overall environmental performance of ustainable biomass production.
  • Estimate local and regional ecological and economic effects of sustained harvesting on forest ecosystems, rural communities, economic systems and human health.
  • Refine market, policy, economic and ecological strategies to achieve cost-effective, efficient and sustainable biomass utilization for energy.

This research will advance the concept of a forest biorefinery as a primary source of liquid transportation fuels. Increasing biofuels availability and use will contribute substantial positive net benefits to climate change.





Research Needs

[PHOTO] Forest Landscape Analyze woody biomass life cycle to provide management options that reduce the ecological impacts of biofuel production from both natural and managed ecosystems. Optimize biorefinery design criteria to take advantage of ecological opportunities to improve bioenergy green house gas reduction and contribute positive benefits to climate change.

Assess the overall environmental performance to estimate regional and local ecological and economic effects of biofuel production from woody biomass on ecosystems, rural communities, and economies.

Emphasize research on short rotation woody crops management techniques that ensure sustainability from an energy balance perspective and enhance positive environmental benefits.

Develop tools to understand water quality and water quantity impacts of biomass production in natural and managed ecosystems, with models focusing on understanding water constraints on energy contributions from biomass.







Back to: Emerging Issues in the South

PDF Format Available for Download: Utilization of Forest Biomass Download - 436 KB




Maintaining healthy Southern forests requires an understanding of changing market conditions, rapidly evolving forest threats, and the socio-economic aspects associated with landowner decision making. Incentives and new markets for ecosystem services and biomass are encouraged to support keeping forest lands in working forests, thus preventing fragmentation and loss of habitat. The capacity of States to deliver training, science, and assistance to landowners is essential for success.






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