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GraniteGeekNH t1_je1flf1 wrote

I'm sure you know this but it's illegal in most states (all states? federal law?) to move knotweed because it replants itself from broken stems. It takes special licenses so it seems harvesting it would be tricky.

You're talking about pellets for burning, right? Isn't the moisture content of knotweed so high that turning them into pellets would be really expensive? That's what has thwarted all the great plans for switchgrass-biomass.

It would be great if something could be done with that *&^%$!!! plant, which is a global invasive nightmare.

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amoebashephard OP t1_je1lgj0 wrote

here's the paper I've been basing the idea of using it as a feedstock for pellets. Both giant and regular knotweed is present in VT.

The thought is to have a solar/bio gas drying facility; and that I would go through the permit process to transport from pickup spots around the state, or that people could schedule pickup.

My hope was to have some sort of system in place to harvest from stream sides legally.

I'm mostly just brainstorming at the moment, and I really appreciate your response!

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HJacqui t1_je2pxhh wrote

Are you sure about it being illegal? It’s illegal in the UK. But I’ve not heard of it being illegal (to remove) anywhere in the us. Don’t get me wrong …would be great to see it’s status changed in the US… but I don’t believe we’re there. Regardless … it’s the WORST!

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GraniteGeekNH t1_je51rsl wrote

Excellent point and you are correct, it does not appear to be illegal. I did the common but flawed online thing of repeating something I had heard as if it was established fact. Shame on me!

Looking at NH Dept. of Agriculture rules I can find nothing that says it is illegal to move, only that it is a really bad idea.

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