Abstract
Developing sustainable supply chains for bioenergy begins with forest owners. Here we review results from a survey of private forest owners in regions that supply a majority of US wood pellets to Europe.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Most private forest owners are aware that environmental benefits of bioenergy outweigh the costs.
• Aesthetic and conservation values are among multiple reasons for keeping land in forests.
• A majority of the 724 private land owners who responded to the survey are willing to provide woody biomass for energy.
• Owners place high value on hunting and recreational use of forests
• Factors affecting willingness to supply biomass for energy include the right price, noninterference with traditional sawtimber income, and compatibility with the owners’ land management and conservation goals.
