Climate Change & Natural Resources
Conclusions & Recommendations
The Montana Climate change Advisory Committee has issued several recommendations to enhance the state’s forestry and related biomass resources. As is customary in nearly all recommendations, proposed implementation entails a mix of financial and tax incentives, regulations, and legislation.
Current estimated use of forest-derived biomass in Montana is 2 million dry tons, with 1.95 million derived from primary and secondary mill waste and only 85,000 tons from logging residue. An estimated 2.76 million dry tons of woody biomass is available in Montana, with 704,000 dry tons available annually from logging residue.
The committee recommends expanded use of woody biomass from forests and other sources for energy. Biomass can be used to produce liquid fuels, including cellulosic ethanol, or to produce energy. A goal is proposed to increase usage of woody biomass residue for renewable purposes to 450,000 tons per year by 2020 and to use 540,000 dry tons of agricultural residues annually by 2020. The state intends to lead by example through consideration of biomass energy sources in all new state building constructions and renovations.
The committee also recommends an expansion of the forestland resource base through afforestation and refforestation projects, to increase the amount of carbon in biomass and soils. The committee recommends restocking on 20 percent of accessible forestlands affected by stand replacement fires since the year 2000 (estimated at 70,000 acres) and restock forestlands affected by stand replacement fires (estimated at 20,000 acres per year) within 5 years post-fire. The committee further recommends that 42,250 new trees be planted in Montana communities by 2020. The committee also seeks to increase forest carbon stocks through changes in management practices on existing forestland. The committee would like to initiate programs that increase forest productivity by 20 percent on 700,000 acres of private and state forestlands by 2020. This recommendation includes components to better control forest insect pests on state and private lands, reduce fire risk for certain forest lands, improve stewardship of state and private lands, and enhance long-term carbon storage through harvested wood products.
Lastly, the committee also recommends expanded use of durable wood products for building materials. Durable products made from wood prolong the length of time forest carbon is stored and not emitted to the atmosphere. Components of this recommendation include development of new and expanded uses of wood products.
