ABSTRACT
Harvesting biomass to accomplish the goals of fuel reduction and supplying material for energy production is a new practice in Minnesota. Fuel reduction prescriptions need to be adjusted to address operational challenges, and planning and coordination concerns. Once biomass harvest is identified as a management option, incorporating an early understanding of production logistics into harvest plans and prescriptions can reduce fuel management and biomass production costs. Site prescriptions, distance to market, size and efficiency of operations, and equipment all influence the economic viability of biomass harvests as a tool to manage bioenergy crops. Environmental effects of biomass removal on soils, wildlife habitats, and other natural features should be considered. Under the right combination of these circumstances, biomass harvest can reduce crop management costs (Arnosti et al, 2008).
