Description

ANNOTATION: This article assesses how forest biomass can be utilized with and the implementation of fuel reduction and ecosystem restoration objectives of the National Fire Plan for the Western United States. Both public and private forests are assessed in the region including standing tree volume with additional data on stem, limb and top volumes. Operational systems to conduct the treatments and their affects on the ecosystem as well as utilization opportunities and market implications are also discussed. ABSTRACT: This assessment characterizes, at a regional scale, forest biomass that can potentially be removed to implement the fuel reduction and ecosystem restoration objectives of the National Fire Plan for the western U.S. The assessment area covers forests on both public and private ownerships in the region and describes all standing tree volume including stems, limbs, and tops. Analysis of treatment areas and potential removals is included. Additionally, the operational systems necessary to effect the treatments as well as potential erosion impacts, utilization opportunities and market implications were examined.