Climate change, energy instability and economics allow us to rethink how we use resources. This program explores the use of wood fuel in various ways: to heat a whole home, as a supplement to a fossil fuel or electric heat source, or just for cool days, for ambiance or as a backup for power outages.

As one of the most forested regions on earth, we in Maine have the chance to responsibly use our woodlands for heat. There are many forms of readily available wood including firewood, pellets, slash or compressed bricks.

Maine forests can provide a renewable, sustainable and clean source of energy if done right. Trees are a carbon sink. Proper management through low impact forestry with appropriate tools increases the effectiveness of the forest for capturing CO2.

This program will explore how Mainers use trees to heat their homes. Some institutions such as The Jackson Lab and the Blue Hill Library have heated their facilities with processed wood for a decade or more. Firewood provides a local business for loggers, arborists and for firewood dealers for those who want to buy instead of harvesting their own.

Wood smoke can pollute. Depending on the topography, particles can accumulate in the air, nuisance smoke can be produced from poor burning or old wood stoves, and indoor air quality problems can arise with improper wood burning practices.

In this colloquy we start with the premise that wood heat is appropriate for rural environments. We will explore many practical questions as well as the more intangible aspects of adopting a wood heat lifestyle. What are the heating options? Is there a personal benefit to spending time outdoors harvesting your own wood? How valuable is the knowledge of the self sufficiency produced by harvesting one’s comfort? How did Mainers adapt to cold before central heat and well insulated structures? What is the latest wood stove technology?