National Bioenergy Conference to Explore Renewable Energy Opportunities

DENVER — Recognizing the importance of bioenergy for the future, federal and nongovernmental partners are working together to host “Bioenergy and Wood Products Conference II, Innovations in Restoring Forests and Strengthening Economies,” in Denver from March 14-16, 2006, at the Hyatt Convention Center.

Bioenergy is an important renewable energy. The Bureau of Land Management and its parent agency the U.S. Departments of Interior, are teaming up with the Departments of Agriculture and Energy as well as the Intertribal Timber Council, National Association of Conservation Districts, National Association of Counties, National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Western Forestry Leadership Coalition and Western Governors’ Association, for this event. The first Bioenergy conference was held in Denver in 2004.

The two-and-a-half day event will explore successes and innovations in woody biomass utilization and stress the value of strong partnerships among public and private individuals in developing local utilization strategies.

An exhibit hall will showcase innovations such as low-cost, manually operated biomass heating and cooling systems, automated wood pellet central heating systems, and grant opportunities for wood biomass utilization projects in communities. Throughout the conference there will be expert presentations, field tours, and other activities concentrated on using woody biomass from public and private forests as a reliable supply for bioenergy production and wood products businesses.

In plenary sessions, attendees will explore woody biomass utilization within the contexts of energy diversification, wildfire and homeland security. Through regional geographical breakout sessions, participants will have the opportunity to network with leaders in the biomass industry. These breakout sessions will be divided into four areas: the Western and Pacific Regions; Great Lakes Region; Southeastern Region; and Northeastern Region.

Optional field tours at the beginning and end of the conference are also offered, with a choice of three tours: the Community Power Corporation in Lakewood, the Boulder County Heating Biomass Facility or the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden.

As a renewable, domestic energy source, woody biomass is helping America to reduce its reliance on non-renewable foreign energy. Biomass also stimulates domestic markets for wood products, and serves as a way to treat forests by reducing wildfire threats through removing hazardous fuels buildup.

For more information, online registration and hotel reservations, visit http://www.nationalbiomassconference.org.