News Release Distributed 08/24/09
Innovative uses for forest and forage biomass will be featured at the LSU AgCenter's Calhoun Research Station field day Oct. 29.
The program will include updates of agricultural and forestry issues in Louisiana and a discussion of how creating new value-added forest and forage products will benefit the Louisiana economy, said Dr. Michael Blazier, LSU AgCenter forester.
Field tours conducted by LSU AgCenter researchers will include demonstrations of producing composite poles using small-diameter trees, producing new chemicals and products by recycling preservatives and wood fiber from decommissioned telephone poles, partially harvesting an unmanaged forest to improve its growth and produce wood chips for energy and growing miscanthus grass for biofuel.
Registration will begin at 11 a.m., and complimentary lunch will be served at noon.
Forestry and forage producers, forest products industry personnel and any other interested persons are welcome to reserve a seat on the tours by calling 318-644-2662, ext. 10 by Oct. 27.
The Calhoun Research Station is located on Louisiana Highway 80, 1.2 miles southwest of Interstate 20 at exit 103.
For more information, contact Blazier at 318-927-2578, ext. 204.
Mary Ann Van Osdell