3 minute read
Will world logs solve US problem?
!r ggKlhlG substitute log sources as Northwest timber rE cutting restrictions tie up supplies, lumber companies are investigating Siberia, New Zealand and Chile as possibilities. Sometimes with mixed results.
Among the first to experiment, Schmidbauer Lumber Co., Eureka, Ca., and Louisiana-Pacific banded together in 1990 to bring two containers of Siberian logs into California through the Port of Oakland. The debarked and fumigated logs were delayed about three months by USDA and its California counterpart. When they were released and cut, the pine had nematodes and showed little promise, according to Mark Anderson, Schmidbauer forester, but the larch qualified as a Douglas fir replacement.
Shortly after this shipment cleared, the USDA placed a temporary ban on the import of Russian logs. Anderson calls this'Just doing their job." However, Bob Morris, who was L-P's timber manager at that time, sees it differently. Now a consultant, he says bureaucracy is pigeonholing an opportunity to provide thousands of jobs in the Northwest as well as to develop U.S. trade with the largest existing third world market. He derides the zero risk mentality of the USDA and argues that Siberian logs can be imported safely.
In another trial, Schmidbauer Lumber imported 70,000 feet of New Zealand radiata pine early this year. Held up in port for over a month, the shipment blued before it could be sawed, Anderson said. The wood has potential as shop grade for remanufacture when import conditions are right, he added.
Marysville ForestProducts, Marysville, Ca., sawed about a million board feet of debarked, fumigated New Zealand radiata pine logs shipped to Sacramento, Ca., in early spring.
The wood has a potential for industrial grade lumber, fumiture and millwork, general manager Don Baack said.
Louisiana-Pacific also tested the feasibility of radiata pine logs from New Zealand. They cut four truckloads, about 14,000 feet, at Oroville, Ca., in March. They found them to be good quality showing promise. Future imports would be considered although "it's a shame to have to look to other countries for logs," Jeff Wagner said.
PH.KTimber,Inc., Portland, Or., is anxiouslywaiting for (Please turn to page 45)
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84 Lumber Packages Homes
84 Lumber is targeting contractors and build-it-yourself customers with an affordable home package in the $39,900 to $69,900 range.
With 16 designs ready, the company plans 30 professionally designed and tested home packages by the end of the
Pacific
year. Ranch, split levels, bi-levels, 1rlz story and two-story styles will be available. Packages include plans and building materials including shell and trim, kitchen cabinets, vanities and counter tops. Estimates of other costs such as plumbing, heating, electrical, flooring, excavating, foundation, grading and construction will be provided. Lot price is not included.
Plans are user-friendly, according to Lew Wise, vice president of product development for 84 Lumber's Homes division, and include two comprehensive construction manuals as well as access to construction advice. Up-grade options may be added at the time of construction or later.
84 Lumber maintains their market research has shown a strong demand for homes in the affordable range. They profile buyers as ranging from first time homeowners to empty nesters and retirees. "We are targeting people who want to build the most affordable house possible to meet their particular needs," Wise said.
Remodeling On The Air
Veteran home improvement program host Pete Prlain will star in "America Remodels" on the American Forum Network Saturday mornings. The broadcast will be carried on more than 200 stations.
Author
of "How to Work with
Wood" and numerous how-to home improvement articles and columns for magazines, Pdain has hosted several radio and television home improvement shows including "How To With Pete."
Prlain, who is based in Portland, Or., has appeared at homeshows all over the country. He is recognized for his encyclopedic knowledge of home repair, remodeling and maintenance techniques as well as new products to make these jobs easier.
