Office of the Chief - Biomass and Bioenergy

The Biomass and Bioenergy Challenge:

Woody biomass that is the focus of the Forest Service Biomass and Bioenergy efforts is woody materials that are not part of the commercial forest product material flows. Woody biomass includes forest vegetation treatment residuals (tree limbs, tops, needles, leaves and other woody parts) that are by-products of forest management and ecosystem restoration. Currently these materials are underutilized, commercial value is low, and markets are small to non-existent. Frequently materials from forest fuels treatments that are too small for the products stream are also included in available biomass estimates.

The challenge to put this material to productive use requires an integrated strategy involving federal, state, tribal and private forest owners along with communities and other private interests. The public benefits of diverting this material from other disposal options such as open burning, and the positive environmental consequences of a clean and renewable energy source are just beginning to be articulate and valued in the market through renewable energy credits, carbon credits and pollution credits.

Public policy shifts are also providing positive incentives that include requirements for renewable energy production at the state level (Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards), federal transportation assistance and federal biomass grants to communities.

Local areas and regions of the country have unique opportunities and challenges related to biomass utilization. Hurricane damage in the south, fuels treatments needs around communities, and insect outbreaks all provide cross-ownership woody biomass utilization challenges.

To learn more regarding Forest Service Woody Biomass Utilization visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/WoodyBiomassUtilization/index.shtml

Biomass and Bioenergy Coordinator Biography

Dr. Marcia Patton-Mallory currently works in the office of the Chief, USDA Forest Service, as the Biomass and Bioenergy Coordinator. Previous to this assignment, she was the Director of the Rocky Mountain Research Station of the USDA Forest Service, in Fort Collins, CO for five years, and Assistant Station Director for 10 years. Additional assignments with the USDA Forest Service include a Research Staff Specialists in the Washington Office and a Research Engineer at the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, WI.

Marcia’s technical training includes a B.S. in Wood Science and Technology from the College of Forestry and Natural Resources at Colorado State University, and M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the College of Engineering at Colorado State University.

Special assignments include a Science and Technology Fellow, assigned to the U.S. Senate.

Office of the Chief Biomass and Bioenergy Coordination Contact Information:

Marcia Patton-Mallory, Biomass and Bioenergy Coordinator
Phone: 970-295-5947
Fax: 970-295-5885
E-Mail: mpattonmallory@fs.fed.us

Mike Eckhoff, Management Analyst
Phone: 970-295-5934
Fax: 970-295-5885
E-Mail: meckhoff@fs.fed.us

Mailing Address:
2150 Centre Avenue, Building A
Fort Collins , Colorado 80526