” Renewable Energy: Biomass (wood)-RI’s Hidden Resources for Home Heat Efficiency”

Paul Boisvert, Southern New England Forest Consortium, Inc.

As fossil fuel continues to diminish in supply and increase in price, America will need to look towards alternative means to meet their growing demand.  There is not doubt that alternative renewable energy is the way of the future. What is alternative renewable energy?  This workshop hopes to be able to answer that question.  In a simple way, renewable energy is generated using resources that are naturally replenished.  The most effective mechanism we know of reducing the production of greenhouse gases is to reduce our consumption of fossil fuels. But that is not the only reason to understand Woody Biomass.

Home owners must make an important decision with regard to energy and the cost.  Woody Biomass is an integral component of woodland management that presents opportunities, as well as challenges.   This workshop is intended to expand homeowner’s knowledge of the subject. 

Paul Boisvert is the Executive Director of Southern New England Forest Consortium, Incorporated (SNEFCI).  As the Executive Director, Paul assists various forestry organizations throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island on forest land issues with a mission towards fragmentation problems.  Paul is working with the Rhode Island Resource Conservation and Development Area as the coordinator of the Rhode Island Coverts Project which is a special wildlife habitat education program for family forest land owners and environmentally concerned citizens.

From 1996 – 2001 Paul served in managerial positions at both the Charlestown and Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce.  He has strong expertise in strategic planning, member services, and business organization; and has been active in educating students in the various aspects of business at local colleges and universities.

Paul is currently serving as the President of Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization (RIFCO).  This association represents forest landowners on issues such as taxation and open space. Paul is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University with a Masters of Science in Management Technology.