Page 8 RAIN June 1979 Report on Hand Release Contracts 1978 (preliminary report), by Rick Koven and Fred Miller, January 1979, 15 pp., from: . Groundwork, Inc.-Forest Workers' Research Group P.O. Box 5447 Eugene. Oregon 97405 Hand Release generally refers to those labor-intensive management techniques that can replace the application of herbicides in the forest industry-that is to say, manual methods of preparing a site for "conifer release." In the emotional controversy over the widespread reliance on the use of herbicides, hand release methods have been grossly misrepresented, especially in terms of their cost. Extrapolated quotes of $350 to $1000 per acre are not uncommon. With this initial report, the Groundwork research group has cut into this myth, showing that the costs of employing people in the place of chemicals, though subject to site variance, averages only $106.85 per acre for contracts let on public forest land in the Northwest. The report also projects the number of workers that could be utilized in accommodating the shift away from herbicides. Clearly, there is great potential for creating new employment in the woods-and the developing workforce-which together could have a significant impact on local economies. If one also considers the qualitative factor, that using human heads and hands at ground level is more ecologically sophisticated and site specific ·than aerial spraying, then it seems like an important pressuring point to push forest managing agencies to begin transferring significant amounts of money and acreage away from herbi .l! ci .g E !ljjEj o ~ 1;:1; DI( cidcs. The hand alternative deserves the opportunity to prove that it pays. A more in-depth version of this analysis is now ill the works. WOOD HEATING NEWS Wood Waste One subject which pops up quite regularly concerns the use of sawdust and wood waste as fuel for furnaces and boilers. What seems to be a surprise is that the idea has been around for some time. From 1910 to 1946, there were many manufacturers of "low tee" furnaces. These simple devices were not burdened with expensive, high maintenance cost and gadgetry. Here are two sources of information: Saving Fuel in Oregon Homes, by E.C. Willey, Circular Series No. 7. September 1942, Engineering Experiment Station, Oregon State College (OSU). Rating and Care of Domestic Sawdust Burners, by E.C. Willey. Bulletin Series No. 15, June 1941, Oregon State College (OSU). Research concerning particulate air pollution is sorely needed. The economics of wood combustion are so favorable that the northern statcs are finding vast numbers of wood appliances replacing or supplementing conventional oil and electric heat sources. Some studies just completed ("The Impact of Residential Heating by Wood Stoves on Ambient Air Quality" by Samuel S. Butcher, April 1978) indicate a serious air quality problem may be developing. Some questions which need answers are : 1. Does replacement of fossil-fueled heating equipment with direct combustion biomass fuelcd appliances increase or decrease the chemical and/or particulate content of our immediate air space? 2. Will the inefficient (often a heat loss factor) use of masonry or steel heat exchanging fireplaces materially increase the use of other polluting sources of domestic heat? 3. Consumer questions concerning better understanding of the connection between creosote, air pollution and heating efficiency. Many commonly accepted ideas have been verified in recent research. It seems almost a disgrace, however, that the weight of the academic community is nceded to point out these axioms of wood burning: 1. Wet or green wood burns less efficiently, creates more atmospheric emissions and accelerates creosote deposit in chimncys. 2. The method of operation of a wood stove is a major determinant related to creosote accumulation and potential air pollution. The energy crisis we all face dictates a need for groups such as the Solid Fuel Trade Association, Wood Energy Institute, and the Fireplace Institute. To be effective in promoting use of renewable energy, these groups should endeavor to maintain the respect of government as well as those of us in thc private sector. A positive consumer orientation of these influential groups will rcquire an image of integrity and reliability and for the benefit of the entire nation should be influenced by the aca· demics and consumerists within our society.
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