Interest in renewable energy sources has soared in recent years, and the Pacific Northwest’s abundant forest lands represent an important source of biomass for heat energy and as feedstock for liquid biofuels and chemicals.  However, the process of forest biomass production, extraction and use for energy and other purposes is diverse and complex, with many small- and large-scale technical, economic, and environmental issues to consider.  The 2013 Starker Lecture Series will provide a forum for a state-of-the-art, wide-ranging discussion of these issues and the unique challenges and opportunities in forest biomass utilization.

Key lecture topics for the 2013 Starker Series include an overview of biorefinery opportunities and challenges, a current technology case study, environmental considerations (panel), and state-level bioenergy policies and initiatives.   The Series will conclude with a capstone field trip that will show local examples of forest biomass and energy production “from the ground up.”

The Starker Lecture Series is sponsored by the Starker Family in Honor of T.J. and Bruce Starker and is supported by the OSU College of Forestry and the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.