Proper forest care is important to everyone. Sustainably managed woodlands provide wildlife habitat and space for recreational pursuits. It also provides raw material for a wide range of consumer products, like shoe polish, varnishes and building materials.

Michigan's wood-fired power plants are integral to the state’s forest products industry, relying on the waste wood it generates to make our electricity. At the same time we provide them a cost effective and “beneficial-use” disposal option for their wood waste, like sawdust and shavings. The making of forest products keeps our generators spinning and squeezes every ounce of value from forest resources. We glean fuel wood in a “cradle-to-grave” manner, getting it from in-forest harvest residue, mill and factory waste, and even clean recycled wood waste like crates and pallets that no longer have a purpose and would otherwise be landfilled.

These factors make a robust forest products industry, and the wise management of the state’s woodlands, of paramount importance to the people of Michigan. Recent state energy policy, particularly promotion of new bio-fuels technologies, will put greater demand on our forest resources. Therefore, Michigan Biomass is committed to ensuring state forests are managed to not only provide feedstock for these new enterprises, but support existing applications and other uses, such as outdoor recreation, tourism and habitat.

Michigan Biomass supports this position through membership in the Michigan Forest Products Council, the Michigan Association of Timbermen, and supports Project Learning Tree, an educational program sponsored by the American Forest Foundation. It is provided in this state through the Michigan Forest Resources Alliance, government agencies and non-governmental organizations.