The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) recently certified the R. E. Burger power plant as a renewable energy facility. This action has significant implications for wildlife in the area, according to the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI).

The Burger plant is owned and operated by FirstEnergy Corporation and is located on the Ohio River just south of the village of Shadyside. ?Formerly fueled with coal, it is a relatively small plant but will be one of the largest biomass-fired facilities in the country. It has been estimated that the plant will need nearly 3 million tons of wood per year to operate.

While some groups argue that the PUCO action will result in the destruction of forests, the reality is that it will create additional opportunities for establishment of young forest habitat in the area. As trees are removed from forests to be used as fuel for the plant, the land will continue to be managed as a forest in almost all cases. Trees will quickly begin to regenerate on these sites, providing the type of young forest habitat needed by many species of wildlife. The Ohio Division of Wildlife has identified approximately 50 "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" that will benefit from enhancement of young forest and shrubland habitats, including the American woodcock.

?WMI has been coordinating implementation of the American Woodcock Conservation Plan for the past several years, and it views increased demand for forest products as a great opportunity for wildlife and wildlife management in the region. Learn more about American Woodcock and young forest habitat at Timberdoodle.org. (pmr)