The importance of reference conditions in assessing effects of bioenergy wood pellets produced in the southeastern United States

Abstract

Documenting reference conditions is essential when assessing the effects of industrial wood pellet production. Reference conditions describe what is expected to occur in the absence of pellet production. Forests in the southeastern United States (SE US) are under pressure from development and other disturbances. Reference conditions need to consider the alternate fates of the biomass used for pellets and the role international pellet markets can play to support retention of land in forests and good forest management practices that reduce risks of pest outbreaks, wildfires, and other disturbances.