Throughout the nation, increasing numbers of homes are already using wood either to supplement or totally supply present heating requirements.

Wood is a form of solar energy. Sunlight, through photosynthesis, turns carbon dioxide and water into organic material. When a tree dies, bacteria converts it back to carbon dioxide and water with the nutrients returning to the soil.

When a tree is burned, it releases the same ingredients: carbon dioxide, water and ashes. If the burning process is complete and efficient, the stored energy is released as heat and the original components are recycled to the earth.

There is no disruption of the natural cycles, just the speeding up of the natural process. However, the burning process is never fully complete, and therefore, there are emissions such as particulate.

Trees are renewable. As poor quality and commercially undesirable trees are removed for firewood, new growth occurs. As long as the forest is properly managed, and only the amount of wood that can be replaced is taken, little or no significant environmental damage occurs. By encouraging new growth, a greater diversity of wildlife habitats is created.

Wood has become one of the favorite alternative fuels. It cannot totally replace oil, coal or nuclear power in the energy future, but it can complement the energy mix and make regions less dependent on imported, expensive and increasingly scarce fuels.

n Now is the time to think about planting trees this spring. The Butler County Conservation District now has new order forms for the annual tree seedling sale.

Call 724-284-5270 or watch the Butler Eagle for our ads.

Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.