Extension

The Florida Cooperative Extension Service

http://solutionsforyourlife.ufl.edu

Director of UF/IFAS Extension: Dr. Larry Arrington

UF/IFAS Extension encompasses thousands of Extension faculty members, scientists, educators, administrative staff, and volunteers, offering information to citizens about energy conservation (lights, water, heating, cooling, tax incentives) on the “Solutions for Your Life.”

Researchers throughout UF/IFAS are working to design more energy efficient technologies and communicate them to those who are growing and harvesting crops, caring for animals, and landscaping homes. In addition, IFAS extension educators share information with those who might grow biomass crops and help design market opportunities to utilize these resources.

Extension Programs Associated with SNRE:

The Program for Resource Efficient Communities (PREC) and the Florida Natural Resources Leadership Institute (NRLI) are associated with SNRE, IFAS Extension and select UF departments. SNRE Extension programs aim to educate various audiences about challenges and solutions facing natural resources in Florida.

NRLI helps rising leaders develop the skills to build consensus around contentious environmental issues and move beyond conflict to find resolution. NRLI workshops provide education and training for public and private resource managers; covering a range of energy issues and challenges from “green” building and low-impact development to urban growth and energy management.

PREC promotes the adoption of best design, construction and management practices in new residential community developments and provides continuing education courses. They also coordinate research and outreach materials on energy efficient lighting, windows, and building construction.

Florida Energy Extension Service (FEES)

Dr. Pierce Jones, Director, administers the coordination, development, and delivery of educational programs on best management practices in the built environment. FEES gives special emphasis to energy, water, windstorm, termite, and indoor environmental quality issues related to residential construction.

Wood to Energy Outreach Program

http://www.interfacesouth.org/woodybiomass

University of Florida, School of Forest Resources and Conservation; USDA Forest Service, Centers for Urban and Interface Forestry; Southern States Energy Board; Southern Regional Extension Forestry

Dr. Martha C. Monroe, Associate Professor, Environmental Education and Extension
Project Director for Wood to Energy Outreach Program

The South is a prime location for producing woody biomass for energy production because of the proximity of many forests to expanding urban areas. The USDA Forest Service, Centers for Urban and Interface Forestry, and the University of Florida, School of Forest Resources and Conservation developed an outreach program to help communities discuss the feasibility of using woody biomass for energy production. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and the USDA.

The overall objectives of the program are to:
1. Increase awareness and knowledge about using woody biomass for energy production;
2. Foster communication and collaboration among community leaders, potential wood fuel users, wood suppliers, forest managers, and others about the possibilities of bioenergy in their communities; and
3. Provide outreach strategies to communities as they begin to discuss new opportunities.

The program has developed outreach materials to support community discussion:

• Biomass Ambassador Guide provides a slide presentation and suggestions for conducting outreach programs such as community forums, symposia, or a media campaign to introduce woody biomass to community leaders and citizens.
   
• Fact Sheets provide understandable information about the environmental, economic, and technical aspects of using wood for electricity and combined heat and power. Common concerns expressed by members of the public are addressed.
   
• Case Studies give an in-depth glimpse at some of the utilities, industries, and schools that are using wood to provide heat, power, or electricity here in the South. Urban waste wood, saw dust and scraps from manufacturing, and forestry residue are successfully used to generate power.
   
• Community Economic Profiles for each state explore the amount of wood available in selected counties, estimate the cost to transport that wood to a central location, and estimate the regional impact to the local economy of using wood in 20 and 40 MW facilities. While the details are based on a host of assumptions, the comparison across counties is of considerable value.

  

For More Information Contact:
Centers for Urban and Interface Forestry, Interface South
Building 164, Mowry Road, PO Box 110806
Gainesville, FL 32611-0806
Phone: 352-376-3271 Fax: 352-376-4536