An Assessment of the Potential for Bioenergy and Biochemicals Production from Forest-Derived Biomass in Minnesota

A report for the Blandin Foundation Vital Forests/Vital Communities Initiative and Iron Range Resources

As Minnesota considers how it might more extensively use its forest resources to increase its participation in the emerging bio-revolution, it is important that decision leaders understand fully what is potentially involved. The prospects for improved energy security, expanded economic activity, and new employment prospects are exciting. Careful thought and planning is needed to ensure that development is not haphazard and that development outcomes mesh with other state values and goals. Whatever is done, it is vitally important that efforts to bolster supplies of one critically important resource – energy – not result in depletion of other critically important resources – soil and clean water.