Biomass future revenue for area?

Changes in Americans' energy consumption have opened up a golden opportunity for Cameron County to develop a new industry: wood biomass.

A program on the potential of wood biomass as an alternative fuel will be presented by an expert in the field during the annual dinner meeting of Cameron County Cooperative Extension.

It will be held Nov. 8 at 6 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Emporium.

Reservations are due by Friday, Nov. 2, by calling 486- 3350.

Speaker John Karakash, a registered, graduate forester, has helped forest landowners market poor quality timber to improve their stands and taught forestry. He's an instructor at Duke University and a recognized expert in the field.

"Cameron County is in an excellent position to respond to future challenges and grow economically stronger by helping others do so," Karakash said. "Natural, but often overlooked, connections between energy, forests and the environment can encourage business expansion."

He added that sustainable growth is possible and environmentally helpful: "When clean, renewable energy becomes a stable long term market, it can provide money to improve both forest resources and air quality. When projects are developed by local residents, they are appropriately sized. By learning how this can be carried out in your own community, you will be in a better position to make informed decisions about alternative energy."

His appearance is sponsored by the Penn State University Cooperative Extension Service.