Carbon

The forest bioeconomy uses sustainably managed forest material, also known as forest biomass, to make bioproducts including consumer goods and industrial products. A successful bioeconomy helps reduce petrochemical-based products in the economy.

Leachate Generation from Biomass Operations: a subproject of the Woody Biomass Innovative Project - TR83

As part of the Woody Biomass Innovative Project, which proposes to assess future bioenergy potential for British Columbia, a study was conducted to assess wood biomass leachate effect on water quality. The study aims to provide guidance for policy development related to biomass operations and their leachates. To that end, we examined the impacts of roadside chipping with respect to the amount of leachate generated, aquatic toxicity, and connectivity between post-biomass processing wood residue piles and streams in central interior British Columbia. Best practice considerations specific to on-site processing, road networks, soils, and riparian zones are provided based on field assessments of biomass sites, consultation with biomass processors, and a review of management practices in other jurisdictions. (Read entire document)

A Compilation of Forest Biomass Harvesting and Related Policy in Canada -TR81

A very important issue in discussions around the harvesting of woody forest biomass in Canada is whether existing policies and guidelines are adequate to ensure that it is harvested and used in a manner that will benefit present and future generations. The perception that woody biomass harvesting may stress forest resources if precautions are not taken suggests that guidelines may be needed to ensure that its harvesting is sustainable and that forest ecosystem health and site productivity are maintained. Forest biomass harvesting guidelines have been developed in several U.S. states, and in Europe, but what policies and guidelines are in place in Canada?  (Read entire document)

Life Cycle Sustainability Analysis Sub-project of the Woody Biomass Innovative Project: A Preliminary Assessment - TR76

This preliminary study addresses the life cycle sustainability analysis subproject of the Woody Biomass Innovative Project, which proposed to assess the future bioenergy potential for British Columbia from a broad perspective that includes energy, greenhouse gas considerations and climate change, impacts on soil and biodiversity, and socio-economic sensitivities and to consider the need for guidance and policy development. This preliminary study reviews currently available assessment methodologies and proposes a framework for a life cycle sustainability assessment of current and emerging wood-based biofuel products used in three sectors (i.e., residential, institutional, and industrial) in British Columbia. In addition, this study defines data requirements and data availability for a detailed assessment, and outlines the possible policy implications that might be drawn from a detailed study. (Read entire document)

The Use of Stumps for Biomass in British Columbia A Problem Analysis - TR66

In British Columbia, stump removal was first tested in 1968 as a method of reducing the spread of root disease into regenerating stands (Morrison et al. 1988). Over the last few decades, stumping, as it is also known, has been practiced throughout the province in forests infected with the root disease fungi Armillaria ostoyae, Inonotus tomentosus, and Phellinus weirii (Sturrock 2000). Given the growing interest in bioenergy in the province (Province of British Columbia 2008), and the increasing popularity of stumps as a feedstock for bioenergy plants in Europe (e.g., Bjorheden 2006; Hakkila 2006), it is timely to consider the viability of using stumps as an energy source in British Columbia.  (Read entire document)

The Carbon Conundrum—Fire and Fuel Management in Fire-prone Forests - EN97

Natural resource managers face a conundrum: when do fire management activities increase sources or sinks of greenhouse gases? This extension note describes forest carbon (C) dynamics and approaches for dealing with carbon stocks and flows while managing for fire and a full range of natural resource values. In addressing climate change, we need to understand the relationships between fire management and carbon emissions and storage. Our focus is on fire-prone dry forests such as those in the British Columbia (B.C.) southcentral interior. Carbon dioxide (CO2 ), one of the greenhouse gases, contributes to climate change. When forests burn and decompose, they emit CO2 . Natural and human-caused fires ignite each summer. In many dry B.C. ecosystems, fire has been a natural ecosystem process. In these settings, fire provides many benefits: reducing fuel hazards, creating diverse ecosystems and habitats that support large numbers of species, enhancing soil nutrients, helping keep insects and pathogens in check, and taking up and storing carbon. (Read entire document)

Forests in a Carbon-constrained World - EN92

Global climate change is one of the most important environmental challenges facing society today. The burning of fossil fuels and to a lesser extent, changes in land use patterns have led to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which are affecting the earth's climate. Not all of the greenhouse gases that we produce stay in the atmosphere - almost half are taken up by the ocean and land ecosystems. Carbon uptake in forests is an ecological service that is becoming one of the values managed by the British Columbia Ministry of Forests and Range. This extension note provides an overview of why carbon uptake and storage in forests are important, some management considerations, and a discussion on how climate change may affect the forest carbon balance.  (Read entire document)