We examined the genetic population structure of Spartina alterniflora in Jamaica Bay, Queens, NY and the surrounding area in order to assist the ongoing restoration of Jamaica Bay. AMOVA (Analysis of Molecular Variance) indicated that population differences accounted for 15% of molecular variance (Φ PT = 0.15, p = 0.001). Observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.61 to 0.73 among populations. A Mantel test indicated a weak and non-significant correlation between pairwise Φ PT and geographic distance matrices (r = 0.34, p = 0.12). A PCA revealed no obvious grouping pattern for sampled populations. Based on these data, we determined that the studied populations contained similar genetic variability to other populations in the New York vicinity and to those of the entire region. It seems likely that collection of germplasm from within the region will prove sufficient in maintaining overall genetic variation in restoration plantings. Given the small amount of genetic structure among populations within Jamaica Bay, however, it would be prudent to collect widely within the target marsh. We also recommend the practice of propagating plugs of S. alterniflora from wild seed, as opposed to using vegetative cuttings, when creating planting stock, in order to maximize genetic diversity in restored marshes.

We assessed options for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in the US Great Lakes States, a region heavily dependent on coal-fired power plants. A proposed 600 MW power plant in northern Lower Michigan, USA provided context for our evaluation. Options to offset fossil CO2 emissions by 20% included biomass fuel substitution from (1) forest residuals, (2) short-rotation woody crops, or (3) switchgrass; (4) biologic sequestration in forest plantations; and (5) geologic sequestration using CO2 capture. Review of timber product output data, land cover data, and expected energy crop productivity on idle agriculture land within 120 km of the plant revealed that biomass from forestry residuals has the potential to offset 6% and from energy crops 27% of the annual fossil fuel requirement. Furthermore, annual forest harvest in the region is only 26% of growth and the surplus represents a large opportunity for forest products and bioenergy applications. We used Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to compare mitigation options, using fossil energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions per unit electricity generation as criteria. LCA results revealed that co-firing with forestry residuals is the most attractive option and geologic sequestration is the least attractive option, based on the two criteria. Biologic sequestration is intermediate but likely infeasible because of very large land area requirements. Our study revealed that biomass feedstock potentials from land and forest resources are not limiting mitigation activities, but the most practical approach is likely a combination of options that optimize additional social, environmental and economic criteria. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a warm season, C4 perennial grass native to most of North America with numerous applications, including use as a bioenergy feedstock species. To date, no studies on genetic diversity in switchgrass have been conducted that use both molecular and morphological markers. The objectives of this study were to assess genetic diversity and determine differences among and between 12 switchgrass populations grown in New Jersey by examining both morphological and molecular characteristics, and to determine whether morphological, molecular, and/or combined data sets can detect ecotype and/or geographical differences at the population level. Twelve plants from each population were characterized with 16 switchgrass expressed sequence tag-simple sequence repeat markers (EST-SSRs) and seven morphological characters. Data was analyzed using GenAlEx and Unweighted Pair-Group Method of Averages (UPGMA) cluster analysis. Most (64%) of the molecular variation in switchgrass populations exists among individuals within populations, with lesser amounts between populations (36%). Upland and lowland populations were distinguished in all three data sets. Some eastern US and midwestern US populations were distinct in all three data sets. Similarities were observed between all three data sets indicating molecular markers may be useful for identifying morphological differences or other adaptive traits. The combined data set was the most useful in differentiating populations based on geography and found separation between midwestern and eastern upland populations. The results indicate that the combination of morphological and molecular markers may be useful in future applications such as genetic diversity studies, plant variety protection, cultivar identification, and/or identifying geographic origin.

Greenhouse gas reduction occurs as a result of substitution of woody biomass for coal. Coal is the worst amongst all the fossil fuels in terms of greenhouse gas emission per unit of electricity generated. Recent concerns related to the environmental impact of greenhouse gases from using fossil based feedstock, like coal, for the generation of power, specifically electricity have driven the need to identify alternative bio-based energy technologies in the USA, UK and Germany. The objective of this paper is to determine the business attractiveness of utilising biomass resources to produce electricity through biomass co-firing and gasification through case study analysis.

Environmental Quality ManagementVolume 18, Issue 1 p. 23-45 Features Lignocellulosic ethanol: Is it economically and financially viable as a fuel source? Robert E. Froese, Robert E. Froese Michigan Technological UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorJillian R. Waterstraut, Jillian R. Waterstraut University of IowaSearch for more papers by this authorDana M. Johnson, Dana M. Johnson Michigan Technological UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorDavid R. Shonnard, David R. Shonnard Michigan Technological UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorJames H. Whitmarsh, James H. Whitmarsh Unimin Minnesota CorporationSearch for more papers by this authorChris A. Miller, Chris A. Miller Michigan Technological UniversitySearch for more papers by this author Robert E. Froese, Robert E. Froese Michigan Technological UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorJillian R. Waterstraut, Jillian R. Waterstraut University of IowaSearch for more papers by this authorDana M. Johnson, Dana M. Johnson Michigan Technological UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorDavid R. Shonnard, David R. Shonnard Michigan Technological UniversitySearch for more papers by this authorJames H. Whitmarsh, James H. Whitmarsh Unimin Minnesota CorporationSearch for more papers by this authorChris A. Miller, Chris A. Miller Michigan Technological UniversitySearch for more papers by this author First published: 02 September 2008 https://doi.org/10.1002/tqem.20194Citations: 9AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume18, Issue1Autumn (Fall) 2008Pages 23-45 RelatedInformation

Corporate forestland ownership in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP) has undergone a significant change in recent years. This has raised concerns about the impact on local economies, communities, environments, and potential for accelerated sales into higher valued uses. We address two main objectives: the rate and pattern of timberland ownership change and the potential impacts of the land sales on the UP economy. UP wide spatial databases of corporate forestland ownership were developed at two points in time and ownership change was characterized. We described spatially lands with relatively higher potential for conversion to non-forest uses, and present results from economic change analyses. Ownership change data support the hypothesis that large-tract corporate forestlands are increasingly fragmented. The economic assessment highlights the small role that the UP plays in the overall Michigan economy, but the very important role it plays for Michigan's forest products industries, a key element in the region's prosperity.