Ontario’s Draft Forest Biomass Action Plan

Comments and feedback provided on the draft Forest Biomass Action Plan (FBAP) covered a wide range of topics relating to aspects of the emerging forest bioeconomy and use of forest biomass. Based on comments received through the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) and a result of consultation and engagement, several adjustments were made to the text of the plan, including:

• the definition of forest biomass provided in the FBAP
• descriptions of the current forest biomass supply chain
• Rercognition of the importance of collaboration and partnership in growing the forest bioeconomy
• increased commentary on sustainable forest management and the role of forest biomass in the forest carbon cycle
• adjustments to FBAP actions and indicators
• other small editorial changes

Upon review and analysis of all comments received through the ERO, three broad comment themes were identified:

Environmental considerations for use of forest biomass

Most comments received through the public engagement process raised concerns about the environmental aspects of forest biomass use. Comments indicated widespread perception that biomass use (particularly use of wood pellets) results in damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitat, increased emissions of greenhouse gases and harmful pollutants, as well as deforestation and removal of forest cover as a result of harvesting. Calls to increase protected forest areas, to preserve old growth forest, and to oppose clear-cut harvesting were heavily represented in this theme.

Other comments received under this theme also pointed to the positive contributions forest biomass use can make to environmental objectives and priorities. Calls to recognize the carbon mitigation and forest management benefits of replacing non-renewables with forest biomass were also included within this theme.

Our response

Ontario is home to a world-class sustainable forest policy framework which provides for the ongoing sustainability of the province’s forests and works to maintain and improve forest health. As an extension of this framework, the FBAP will work to identify and act on new uses for forest biomass while upholding and encouraging sound stewardship of the province’s forests.

As a strategic document aimed at increasing economic opportunities and sustainability of the forest sector, the FBAP is positioned to help achieve the province’s environmental objectives and priorities, including emissions reductions, and offsetting the use of fossil fuels and other non-renewables. To provide additional context on how forest biomass fits within Ontario’s sustainable forest policy framework and the forest carbon cycle, new text additions have been made to the revised FBAP.

Technical considerations for bioproducts and biomass technologies

This theme covered a range of bioproducts and conversion technologies. Both established and advanced/emerging bioproducts were raised under this theme, however, most comments addressed considerations for the production and use of wood pellets. Specifically, many raised particular concern over the sustainability of pellet feedstocks and the use of wood pellets to produce electricity.

Other comments under this theme provided input on how to advance forest biomass use, including in the areas of regulatory burden reduction, strategic investment/development, and existing bioenergy facilities, among others.

Our response

The FBAP has been developed in consideration of a wide range of forest biomass feedstocks and forest bioproducts, including established bioproduct markets and newer applications for underutilized material. Actions in the plan are aimed at a range of market pathways for forest biomass feedstocks, including but not limited to, wood pellets.

Many of the initial actions in the draft FBAP are centered around identifying feasible pathways for mill by-products and forest biofibre. Determining which products can be economically and sustainably made from available forest biomass feedstocks will help to inform next steps and subsequent actions in the plan. Some adjustments have been made to the action plan to better clarify what materials are considered forest biomass and how feedstocks are converted into forest bioproducts.

Opportunities and benefits of local forest biomass use

Comments in this theme pointed to the socio-economic benefits of increased forest biomass use and identified local opportunities to make use of available wood and support community development through use of forest biomass. Comments received under this category identified opportunities for forest biomass use and commercialization in all regions of the province.

Our response

A key motivation for the development of the FBAP was interest in securing jobs, supporting economic growth, and developing a better understanding of the role that forest biomass use plays in the overall sustainability of the forest sector. The five objectives and 28 actions included in the final version of the plan outline steps the province will take to unlock Ontario’s forest biomass potential in all the province’s forest regions. Additional commentary has been added to the plan underscoring the importance of collaboration and partnership with Indigenous communities to realize future growth in the sector.