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(48) Wood to Energy Outreach Program: Fostering Informed Community Discussions
Martha C. Monroe, Lauren McDonell and Annie Oxarart - School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Session: Concurrent session C2: Renewable Energy and Carbon Credits
Rising energy costs, climate change projections, and energy security concerns are leading many communities to explore local and renewable energy sources. In the Southern U.S., where vegetation grows quickly and a forest industry is well-established, woody biomass may be a reasonable option for heat, power, and electricity. Where communities are developing near existing forests, the power-generating facilities will be close to the sources of wood, reducing transportation expense. Community energy decisions can be enhanced through the involvement of an informed public.
The Wood to Energy Outreach Program is an extension program that helps community leaders and citizens understand the opportunities, costs, and benefits associated with using woody biomass in the southeast U.S. A needs assessment and pilot projects helped identify the topics for our materials. People are concerned about sustainable forest management, air quality, energy efficiency, wood availability, economic impacts, relative comparisons to fossil fuels, and environmental impacts. In short, people are concerned about a sustainable future. A set of 16 fact sheets, 14 case studies, and 13 economic profiles provides educators with background information, examples, and local data to help address these concerns and foster awareness. These materials are available online and can be ordered in quantity for program handouts.
Community decisions about energy can significantly impact local residents and should involve public input to consider many factors and alternatives. By providing educators with the tools needed to implement effective outreach programs about using wood for energy, the Wood to Energy Program is helping promote public education and engagement.
Martha Monroe
School of Forest Resources and Conservation
University of Florida
P.O. Box 110410
Gainesville, FL, USA 32611
Phone: (352)846-0878
Fax: (352)846-1277
Email: mcmonroe@ufl.edu
Lauren McDonell
School of Forest Resources and Conservation
University of Florida
279 White Horse Drive
New Castle, CO, USA 81647
Phone: (970)884-3182
Fax: (970)884-3182
Email: mcdonell@ufl.edu
Annie Oxarart
School of Forest Resources and Conservation
University of Florida
P.O. Box 110410
Gainesville, FL, USA 32611
Phone: (904)540-2861
Fax: (362)846-1277
Email: aoxarart@ufl.edu