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peer-reviewed research article

Harvesting forest biomass reduces wildfire fuel

authors

Gary M. Nakamura, UC Cooperative Extension, Redding

publication information

California Agriculture 50(2):13-16. DOI: 10.3733/ca.v050n02p13. March-April 1996.

abstract

Years of drought, tree mortality due to insects and the successful suppression of forest fires over the past century have created dense stands of trees and shrubs. This buildup is potentially dangerous as a reservoir of fuel for uncontrollable wildfires in California forests. The advent of biomass power plants has made removal of excess plant material from the forest economically feasible, reducing wildfire hazard and preparing fire-adapted forests for reintroduction of prescribed fire.

author affiliations

G. Nakamura is Area Forestry Specialist, UC Cooperative Extension, Redding.