Northwest Hardwood Association meets the challenge of the future

By David A. Sweitzer Secretary-Manager Northwest Hardwood Association Portland. Or.

Doubtless any other region in the United States is as affected by the timber industry as is the Pacific Northwest. The timber industry is right at the top when it comes to providing jobs, security and income to the Northwest. It is certainly affected by housing starts, interest rates, and all those economic conditions so often mentioned by the economists. But still, the NHA and its member mills, wholesalers, distribution yards and manufacturers are meeting the crisis, planning for the future, and progressing forward with "cautious optimism."

The Northwest Hardwood Association was founded on the principal that it would be the only organization dedicated exclusively to providing a constant log supply, market promotion and consistent quality of Western alder and Western maple. To this goal, it is still the only one.

The supply of hardwoods indigenous to the Northwest is virtually inexhaustible if proper land management techniques are observed. One person particularly interested in this phase is Robert Tarrant of Oregon state university. Tarrant has long been a proponent of utilizing alder's natural resource and properly managing it. His interest and professional expertise date back 25 years, long before it became stylish to be on the alder management team.

Part of his current research involves efforts to shorten the growth period required for merchantable alder from the current 35 to 40 years to 25 years. Part of this involves finding the proper planting time for alder with the conifers, so that one does not overshadow the other and limit its growth.

Tarrant explains that alder grows extremely well in mixed conifer stands and actually aids the conifers, since alder is a deciduous tree and the decaying leaves add nitrogen to the soil. That nitrogen is then used by the conifers.

Sfory at a Glance

Product development & re. search foster use of alder.. marketing & promotion stressed . . . standards & regulations stringent.

DurtuU 1982 the Northwest Hardwood Association has been dhect€d by the following officers and board of diredors:

Prcridcnt Richard Lanbcrt

Lane.Stanton-Vance

Lumbcr Co.

City of Indurtry, Ca.

Vicc Prceifut: Marvin Noble

Tresurs:

Noble& Bittner plug Co.

Hebo, Or.

Jcrry A. Nizich

Nizich Forcst products

Phitornath, Or.

Dirwton: Gordon Whitticr, Whitticr Wood products

Eugcoc, Or.

Gcnc Arhc, CoodycorI'ldrcnHardwmd

LumberCo,

ScdroWoolcy, Wa.

&l Maro.n, Orut

Wcstcrrr LunnberCo, Evcreon, Wa, Jack Lundbag, Barton Wood Products

Lynnwood, Wa.

Rollin Taplcy, Roso

Simmons Hardwood Co.

Longvicw, lVa.

Richard LaFin, M:rcury }fardwood

Lumbcr Co.

City of ldustry, Ca.

&ndyBrcnna, Paxport MiIb, lnc.

Tacoma, Wa.

Jack Kohl, Kohl, Inc.

$ctside, G.

Charl€s Slocum, Pacific CoaE lldwoods, Inc. Ptrtland, Or.

In its long and successful organization, the NHA has struggled with various degrees of success to convince private, State and Federal landowners that the hardwood industry of the Northwest is a viable industry and must not only be preserved but accelerated. More than 8,000 people are responsible for total sales of over 375 million dollars and a payroll of over 80 million dollars. Through silviculture, alder will grow faster to merchantable size; it will help the

Secret of a Wood Staln

It was sometime in 1977 that a brilliant scientist, who held PhD's in physics and nuclear physics, was having a quiet drink in a Colorado bar with friends who were manufacturers of a high line of furniture. When told that the well known brand of wood stain they used was made from a secret formula, the physicist scoffed and stated that there were no secrets in chemistry. To prove his point, he later chemically analyzed the famous brand product, and was not sur- prised to find the "secret formula" was no more than a combination of linseed oil, analine dyes and solvents.

When he reported his laboratory findings to his friends, they dared him to devise a superior product, a challenge he readily accepted. He was told the product should penetrate, seal, dry fast, have minimum "bleeding" and odor, be easily applied, and be stable enough to allow lacquers and varnishes to be sprayed over.

Disdaining the obvious and easy approach of attempting to improve

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With sheathing and sttrds to go.

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We do all the warehousing so you won't have to. From a few units, to a truckload, just call us for a quote, then give us the specs. \07e'll have the goods on our dock, ready for your prompt pick-up. What a way to save time and save some green in the Golden Statel

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Willamette Industries, Inc.

Lumber and Plywood Sales Division

Albany, Oregon 97321-9990

503-926-7771 un an existing formula, the scientist, after substantial and deliberate experimentation, came up with a penetrating oil finish (hence the name, Penofin).

Thus satisfied, he promptly sold and relinquished formulation rights to his friends. In 1979, a small group of investors purchased the Penofin Co. and moved operations to a warehouse in Sacramento, Ca.

The entrepreneurs, professionals in their own fields, manufactured and packaged their product on nights and weekends for two years. Finally, in June, 1981, a production agreement was reached with a West Coast paint manufacturer.

The formula was oipanded to provide for exterior as well as interior usage. Both field and weatherometer testing have proven that Penofin now is an excellent product for exterior usage. With a base of Brazilian rosewood oil, the product utilizes transparent pigments which allow the grain structure of wood to be seen. These coloring agents also provide a sunscreen that reportedly rejects over 90Vo of the ultraviolet rays thus preventing checking and discoloration. A mildew resistant agent provides further protection. Penofincomes in formulations for clear, cedar, marine and redwood applications.

Hardwood Retailer

(Continued from Page I l) lumber industry in this century. Their grandfather's success during The Depression inspired this generation to begin a business during the current hard times.

The founders of the new McKinney Hardwood of Mountain View grew up in the industry. TheY have both held important positions with prominent lumber firms and have been active in industry affairs. Gage has appeared on television as a spokesman for the National Hardwood Lumber Association and has served as president of the Los Angeles Hardwood Lumberman's Club. David has served as secretary of a lumber industry association in the San Francisco area.