Wesfern Groups Continue Support of NLMA Grade Program

The executive committee of the West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau and the Bo6rd of Trustees of WCLA agreed at an October meeting in Portland to continue the support of the NLMA grade simplification and standardization program presently before the western lumber industry.

The WCLIB executive committee instructed its member on the American Lumber Standards Committee to vote to approve the size and moisture content provisions of the program when the ALS meets in Washington, D.C. on November 8 and 9.

The Western Pine Association and the West Coast Lumbermen's Association have jointly agreed to the program of simplification of grades in an effort to make it easier to buy and specify lumber in the market place, reports G. C. Edgett, man. ager of the grading bureau and.executive iSoe presideni of the WCLA.

Also before the ALS is a proposal from the Southern Pine Association, Edgett said, which would require that green lumber be surfaced oversize, which would penalize our green lumber manufacturers in the market place. IVe will oppose the Southern Pine proposal, he said, with all our energ'y.

Edgett stressed that the standardization and simplification program, which has the support of WCLA, IVestern Pine Association, and North Eastern Lumber Manufacturers Association' faees many hurdles before adoption. But, most important, Edgett pointed out, is the fact that retail and wholesale lumbermen, manufacturers and user groups will have a chance to vote on the proposals before they are finally adopted.

Edgett traced the steps necessary to make a major change in lumber grading. If the AI5 accepta the propoeal of WCI,A and WPA'insteail oI that of Southern Pine, then ALS will indicate to the Department of Commerce tley approve. Then the De. partment of Commerce will submit the proposal by referendum to an extensive acceptor list, which will include several thousands of retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers. home builders and other usbrs. WCLA and WCLIB, Edgett emphasized, will cooperate fully with the Department of Commerce to make sure that all iriterested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. Currently under way, he said, are meetings in key cities of the nation, with retailers, specifiers, wholesalers and others.

It is our intent, Edgett concluded, to continue to work closely with \ffestern Pine Association toward the end of achieving uniformity of grades and standards between tlre two region*..vhich3rg{1W,$Q% of the nation's softwood lumber.