Projects

Integrate field plot data, remote sensing and geospatial layers to estimate feedstock supplies and produce digital feedstock atlas.

Develop cost and production models for forest operations that will guide sustainable, economic harvest of forest biomass for bioenergy
Establish guidelines for preparation and quality of beetle-killed wood feedstock

Quantify ecological impacts of harvesting beetle-killed trees
Assess impacts of biochar amendments in managed ecosystems
Analyze environmental impacts in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Evaluate financial feasibility of beetle-kill and waste wood conversion
Assess economic, social and policy constraints; develop solutions for overcoming barriers
Develop web-based decision support tools to assess feedstock availability, GHG emissions, and environmental footprints for beetle-kill feedstocks

Promote bioenergy literacy for middle school and high school students and teachers, undergraduate and graduate students

Provide information to communities and stakeholder groups on all aspects of a potential beetle-kill industry in the Rockies
Understand and address concerns of communities regarding the health and safety aspects of biofuel and biochar production and transportation