Does using biomass for fuel from the forests destroy habitats?
Biomass fuel harvesting is nearly always conducted as part of an integrated timber harvest where multiple products (veneer, sawlogs, pulp, and firewood) are removed at the same time. As long as good forest management practices are followed, the biomass fuel harvesting results in no additional impact on wildlife habitat. It is important to note that some harvesting is often prescribed by foresters specifically for enhancing or expanding the habitat of various game and non-game wildlife. Many types of wildlife require open areas created by harvesting and the early successional vegetation that takes over after a harvest. Depending on the forest management objectives, biomass harvesting can in fact contribute to the diversity of wildlife habitat in a forest.
