Energy produced by biomass-burning power plants is already powering tens of thousands of homes in South Carolina, and in February the state was acknowledged by the Biomass Power Association for leadership in the growing biomass energy generation industry. The state of South Carolina has certainly made a name for itself in the biomass industry over the past year, installing two … [Read more...]
Winter Storm’s Unexpected Impact – Ramifications on Timber
In the Southeastern United States, winter storms bringing rain, ice, and other severe weather are not exactly commonplace. However, when they do hit, due to areas being mostly unprepared for such weather, they bring towns to a grinding halt for a few days. These storms damage both private and public property, shut down businesses and government offices, and often have far … [Read more...]
The Return of the Timber Industry
The South Carolina timber industry is the #1 industry in the state, brings billions of dollars to the economy and thousands of jobs to the people. The forestry commission has put in place a 20/15 Project to enhance the industry to be even more beneficial to the state overall. This plan is proposing an economic increase from $17.4 billion to$20 billion annually, while bringing … [Read more...]
Can industry save Puget Sound?
A myriad of public and private groups have touted the expansion of shellfish aquaculture in Puget Sound as a win-win for the economy and the environment. Because of their ability to filter large amounts of water, bivalves are uniquely positioned as crops that promise to improve water quality while providing jobs. In 2011, with backing from NOAA, Governor Christine Gregoire … [Read more...]
Protecting Jamaica’s Mangroves
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has warned against the creation of a shipment port in the Goat Islands, Jamaica. This is a Portland Bight Protected Area because of the ecological services it provides and the biodiversity found unique to the area. The creation of this port would detract from goals agreed upon in the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity … [Read more...]