Research O|fers Solution To Many Lumber Problems

Washington-A lO-point program of research for imrnediate relief of some of the lumber industry's more pressing problems is outlined in "Advancements in Wood Research and Timber Engineering," a new 32-page booklet published by Timber Engineering Company, affiliate of National Lurnber Manu f acturers Association.

"The principal unsolved problem facing the lumber industry is not one of raw materials nor production capacity," states the publication. "N,Iodern forestry has dernonstrated its ability to grow timber, and the sawmills are geared to produce 40 billion or more feet of lumber annually.

"The problem is in reversing the downward cttrve of lurnber consumption that has been dropping steadily for 45 years. In 1907, with a population of 92 million, the per capita consumption was 500 board feet. Today, the per capita is down to 249 feet, with a population of 154 million. In other words, 46 per cent more people are using 17 per cent less lumber."

Pointing out that "products of aluminum, steel, plastics, glass, ceramics ancl a host of new metals are being introduced at a tremendous rate," and that "their principal markets are those long held by lumber," the Teco booklet then declares:

"Lumber's retention of a reasonable share of present markets and a greater portion of new markets will depend, to a large extent, on technical developments in the wood products industries in the next few years."

Projects in the proposed lO-point program fall in three fields of research: Utilization of residues from lumbering, sawrnilling and product manufacturing; product developrnent of lumber items; and increased efficiency all along the line from the woods to the finished product.

"This booklet," states Harry G. Uhl, president of Tinrber Engineering Company, "is one of the most comprehensive ever issued by Teco on its overall operations in wood research, timber engineering and timber connector sales. In it we have detailed Teco's history, objectives, policies and the w'ide variety of projects conducted in the interest of increased use of lumber and wood products.

"In addition to citing a few of the benefits that have corne to the wood industries as a result of research conducted at the Teco Laboratory," Mr. Uhl continued, "we are suggesting a lO-point research program that includes the barest necessities for immediate relief of just some of the lumber industry's problems."

The booklet, profusely illustrated, is being distributed t<r the lumber and rvood using industries and to the building professions throughout the nation. A copy may be obtained, u'ithout charge, on request to Timber Engineering Company, l3l9-l8th Street, N.\\'., \\'ashington 6, D.C.

Appointed Assirtant Chief of Range Management for California Rcgion

Regional Forester Clare Hendee has announced the prom<-rtion and transfer of George L. Burnett, former Grazing Staff Officer of the }Iodoc \ational Forest, to the position of Assistant Chief of Range \Ianagement for the Caliiornia Region of the Forest Service.

IIr. llurnett's experience during the past 19 ,vears of s'ork for the F-orest Service has been predominantly concerned rl'ith range administration and rvildlife actirities ir.r three of the \\'estern Regions. His broad knorvledge of western range conditions gained from on-the-ground experience l'ith ranges, stock, and stockmen, fits him particularll' rvell for the nes' post.

IIr. Burnett first rvorked for the Forest Service on seasonal jobs as Lookout and Lookout-Fireman s'hile attending Oregon State College from l93l to 1933. After graduating. he received a formal appointrnent and rvorked on range surve-vs, and on range improvements in \\';-oming, Colorado and South Dakota- In 1935 he rvas promoted to District Ranger and served in this capacitl' on two different Districts on the Gunnison National Forest in Colorado, until 1943. The follorving t'rvo vears he rvas District Ranger on the San Juan National Forest on one of the largest grazing districts in the Inter-trfountain Region.

In 1945 he transferred to the California Region and served as Resource Staff Officer of the Trinit-v National Forest until l9+7. He then transferred to the llodoc National Forest as Grazing and \\'ildlife Staff Officer. He continued in this capacit,r' until the present. Substantial gains and improvements in range conditions on the Modoc reflect his untiring efforts and leadership.

Mr. and \Irs. Burnett and their three children have selected Alban-'- as their residence in the Bav Area.

C( 'sta Count-\