Advancing Forest Logging Residue Harvesting and Collection Logistics in The Eastern United States

The eastern U.S. has a wealth of forest resources and the potential to increase the logging residue supply for value-added bioenergy and bioproducts for both the near-term and long-term bioeconomic development. The widespread availability of the logging residue resources provides a competitive advantage for rural economic development. Forest residue can be utilized as a renewable feedstock for biopower, transportation fuels, biomaterials, and biochemicals. 

The goal of this project is to develop and optimize forest logging residue harvest and collection logistics in the eastern United States. Project objectives include: 

(1) investigate production rate and costs of various methods and systems for forest logging residue harvest and collection, 

(2) configure and optimize the logistics of logging residue harvest and collection systems, 

(3) quantify the environmental impacts and implementation of Best Management Practices on forest residue harvest and collection, 

(4) conduct techno-economic analysis of the forest logging residue supply chain and market impact potential in the region.