Just read the article about biomass (“Biomass takes center stage,” The Daily Astorian, Sept. 14), and am wondering: Is “biomass” the scrapped-up leavings on the forest floor, where micro-organisms grow, and soil is created? Is “biomass” the duff that becomes home to all kinds of fungi, plants and animals, and allows regeneration of the forest ecosystem?

At least burning the tree remains creates carbon, which is incorporated into the structure of the regenerating soil, and some residue, which protects what’s left of the forest floor from eroding into the ruined streams.

What will be left if the forest duff is scrapped off? How will the forests regenerate without this vital mulch of life?

SUE SKINNER

Astoria