Biomass Harvesting Guidelines from a TIMO Perspective

Transcription

1 Biomass Harvesting Guidelines from a TIMO Perspective Tony Doster, RF CF North Carolina Region Manager, RMS 2014 APSAF Chair Chair Cape Fear Arch Conservation Collaboration NCFA Board of Directors Member NC Sustainable Forestry Implementation Committee

2 Our Company Founded in 1950, RMS is an independent timberland investment management firm managing forest investments throughout the US South on behalf of pension funds, endowments, foundations and high net worth investors. With current assets under management of approximately $3.3 billion, RMS is one of the largest forestland investment managers in the world. RMS is based in Birmingham, Alabama, with field offices located across the South As a company founded, owned and managed by professional foresters, RMS has long been guided by an ethic of forest conservation in its forest management decisions. Understanding that its stewardship responsibility is far-reaching, RMS strives to implement proven forestry practices on its clients lands that are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. Page 2

3 Agenda Biomass as a commodity Definition Management, Harvesting, and Marketing Management Principles Client or Landowner Centric Should Enhance Sustainability Environmental Economic Social Incorporating Biomass Harvesting in to Existing Forest Management Objectives Recommendations for Development of Biomass Harvesting Guidelines. Page 3

4 Nothing New Under the Sun Harvest Storage Transportation Energy Extraction Conversion Maintenance and Disposal Page 4

5 Shared Concerns Around Biomass Harvesting Will government policies, either in the US or outside, distort the market for forest products, particularly the markets for smaller roundwood? Will biomass harvesting impact soil productivity, wildlife habitat, or water quality. Will biomass harvesting cause the conversion of natural hardwood or mixed forests to pine plantations or short rotation energy crops. Will biomass harvesting cause unsustainable harvest levels? Will biomass harvesting increase carbon pollution? Page 5

6 ENGO Concerns Around Biodiversity and Sustainability Page 6

7 Questions Foresters are asking about Biomass Harvesting Guidelines Are we developing guidelines to inform or alter forest management practices, influence forest management decisions, protect the environment, or for social and political reasons? What is the state of the art? What does the science say? Are the guidelines promoted as best management recommendations or are they a means towards more rules and governmental regulations? Are traditional users of fiber fanning the fire in order to protect their fiber sources? Since our lands are certified as sustainably managed, isn t that good enough? Page 7

8 Biomass Harvesting as a part of Forest Management Harvesting Can the material be harvested and transported economically? What are the alternative uses, markets, specifications? How will harvesting the material impact production of the other commodities? Will the stand type and product mix support a biomass operation. What will be the environmental and social impacts? Silviculture One of a number of tools in the toolbox. Stand improvement, ecosystem restoration possibilities. Improved Site Preparation and cost reduction Page 8

9 How Might Biomass Harvesting Affect the Existing Nature of the Forest Over Time? Is it a new product or just a new destination? Is the market supported by government policy or subsidy? Is the market well financed? Are it s harvest and use supported by the public at large? How much resistance can you expect from ENGO s and the broader public? How much time will it take to grow the desired product? Page 9

10 Traditional Debris Removal Techniques Page 10

11 Stand Improvement Page 11

12 Those Pesky Economic Issues Volume by Product Stumpage by Product PPW 15% Fuel 4% Pole 3% HPW 2% HCH 0% PCH 34% Fuel 0% PPW 10% HPW 2% Pole 11% HCH 0% PCH 20% CNS 18% PST 24% CNS 21% PST 36% Page 12

13 We Currently Manage Debris for Soil, Wildlife, and Water Page 13

14 Biomass Guidelines Should Be.. Based on the best available science. Incorporated into existing sustainability criteria ie BMP s for water quality Used as another tool in a forester s toolbox. Voluntary. Not used to increase government regulations or to establish new rule making. Landowner centric. Viewed as management recommendations that have to be balanced with landowner objectives, social needs, and environmental protection. Page 14

15 And the best Guideline Have a management plan designed to meet client or landowner objectives. Consult a forester before you cut your timber! Page 15