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following
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SUNY 's
Willow Biomass Web page

Former Projects :

Willow Bio-Energy

Our Project
CNY RC&D, through the Forestry Committee, is working with the Salix Consortium on the Willow Biomass Project. This project is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's Biomass Power for Rural Development Program. The goal of the project is to commercialize willow bioenergy crops as a locally grown, renewable feedstock for bioproducts and bioenergy.

Partners in the Salix Consortium
Partners in the Salix Consortium include Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, NYS Energy Research and Development Authority, Cornell University's Departments of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Ornithology, Antares Group, Inc. and many others.


During 1998, the Salix Consortium planted 90 acres of willow bioenergy crops on leased private land in Chautauqua and Cattaragus Counties. Two hundred additional acres were planted in the spring of 1999. During the spring of 2000, 175 leased acres were planted and 25 acres were planted by the projects first contracted Farmer-Grower. This farmer has done his own site preparation, planting and herbicide application. Specialized machinery, willow cuttings, technical supervision and harvesting are provided by the Salix Consortium.

	Harvesting of willow occurs in the winter months when the plants are dormant. This enhances nutrient recycling and prevents disturbance of nesting birds attracted by the habitat provided by willow plantings.
Other wildlife benefit from willow plantings as well. SUNY-ESF is studying the biodiversity of soil microarthropods. Cornell University's Department of Ornithology is studying bird nesting and migrational use of willow fields.  (more)

For field days or harvesting demonstrations please see Reports and Events at www.esf.edu/willow.

Agri-Cluster Project:
A former project of CNY RC&D

Services and products of the participating businesses are combined or clustered, thus creating an Agri-tourism base.

The AgriCluster project included a three phase rural economic development concept. This concept  relied on agriculture and non-agricultural organizational collaboration plus the cooperative commitment of small family owned and micro-enterprises.

PHASE l - Collaboration &  development of  a  tourism attraction

PHASE II - Create a formal business plan

PHASE III - Cluster Development

The CNY RC&D Agri-cluster Project was 
funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Additional Former Projects:

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