Published: September 04, 2008 08:39 am         

Maryland Forests Association to host conference on renewable energy, role of forests and forestry

ANNAPOLIS — The new economics of world energy supply are driving rapid growth and innovation in biomass related fuels. Those who work at the ground level in implementing society’s framework for protecting the environment are positioned at the leading edge of the changes and challenges of this discussion.

The Maryland Fo-rests Association has invited leaders in the bio and alternative energy fields to speak on this fast changing field and to address the practical ways one can become involved charting the future of this industry in the State.

The conference will be held at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, beginning the evening of Oct. 31 with a social and banquet with featured keynote speaker award-winning forest activist, Bruce Vincent of Libby, Mont.

On Nov. 1, sessions begin with updates on state and national forestry issues will be given by Maryland State Forester Steven W. Koehn and Michael T. Goergen Jr., executive vice president and CEO of the Society of American Foresters.

Additional sessions on Nov. 1 include:

The Role of Forests in Biomass Energy Production, with presentations on:

• Woody Waste as Fuel for Renewable Energy by Bill Rodenberg, CEM Energy Management Strategies, Inc.

• Cellulosic Ethanol — Fact or Fiction by Kirk Martin, Ascendant Partners.

• Wood Energy at Community Scale — The Leadership Roles for Foresters, Landowners and Logging Professionals by John T. Karakash, Resource Professionals Group.

Renewable Energy Projects for Landowners with presentations on:

• Wind Power Basics for Forest Landowners by Patrick Doyle, Director of Development, Northeast Horizon Wind Energy.

• Financing Small Wind Projects by Bruce Weaver, Business & Community Specialist, USDA Rural Development.

The conference is open to all and includes time to visit exhibits, for Q&A with the speakers, and networking with other attendees. Pre-registration is required. Full agenda, registration brochure, plus speaker and hotel details are on the MFA Web site at mdforests.org/AM2008.htm

Registration deadline is Oct. 17.

For more information, contact MFA Executive Director Karin Miller at mdforests@hereintown.net or call the MFA office at (301) 895-5369.