North Carolina State University Extension Forestry's NC Woody Biomass initiative was recently honored as the North Carolina recipient of the 2009 Innovator Award from the Southern Growth Policies Board. The award recognizes initiatives
that are improving economic opportunities and the quality of life in southern regions.
NC Woody Biomass is a research-based, educational initiative that promotes economic opportunities related to renewable energy
derived from woody biomass.
This multifaceted program has reached over 1,000 landowners, resource professionals, and utilities specialist since 2008, and won praise earlier this year from the NC Association of Cooperative Extension for its educational component.
Members of the NC Woody Biomass team and honorees of the award are:
- Dr. Robert Bardon – Department Extension Leader and CNRAssistant Dean for Extension
- Dr. Dennis Hazel – Extension Specialist and Associate Professor
- Dr. Mark Megalos – Extension Specialist
- James Jeuck – Extension Associate
- Christopher Hopkins – Outreach Associate
- Jasmine Shaw – Graduate Student
- Susan McIntyre – Graduate Student
- Nate Osborne – Undergraduate Student
- Rick Hamilton – Emeritus Extension Specialist
“I am very proud of the Extension Forestry group and their effort related to alternative energy and woody biomass,” says Dr.
Bardon. “They have made a significant impact on the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the citizens of North
Carolina.”
For more information:
Contact NC Woody Biomass Leader, Dr. Dennis Hazel
919-515-5573, dennis_hazel@ncsu.edu
Visit the NC Woody Biomass Homepage
View the 2009 Innovator Award Winner announcement flyer
Above photo: Forestry professionals at a field day examining the type and quality of chips that are produced during an in-woods chipping operation.
Above photo: Forestry professionals touring a biomass fueled power generating facility near New Bern, NC.