National Hardwood Magazine - April 2024

Dwight Lewis
Co., Inc.
Hillsgrove, PA 18619 • Phone 570-924-3507
FAX 570-924-4233
Kilns • Export Preparation
Container Loading
Company Owned Timberland
3rd Generation Since 1941
Appalachian Hardwoods
Specializing in Cherry 4/4 thru 16/4
Hard & Soft Maple
Red & White Oak
National Hardwood Lumber Association Certified
HARDWOOD FEDERATION INFO
Continued from page 20
still preferring the current standards set at 12 ug. The
Hardwood Federation team joined wood products allies,
including the American Wood Council and the American
Forest and Paper Association, to urge Democratic senators
to weigh in with the Administration and advocate
against imposing unreachable standards.
Unfortunately, EPA’s new PM standards are only the
tip of the regulatory iceberg. According to a study by
NAM, in 2022 the total cost of complying with federal
rules and regulations reached over $3 trillion, which
equals 12 percent of U.S. GDP. As that relates to small
manufacturers such as sawmills, the cost translates to
$50,100 per employee.
Next steps include options such as litigation and legislative
intervention to blunt the impact of the new rule.
While arguing that the new PM standard falls outside the
scope of EPA authority in federal court could provide the
path of least resistance to regulatory relief, groups such
as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will also look at legislative
tools. These may include an appropriations rider in
a Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 spending bill that would defund
implementation of the tighter standard. The Federation
will keep you posted on developments as they unfold. n
NHLA: Why Knot?... Continued from page 22
trees for wood products is less than making alternative
products, then shouldn’t we be recognized as the green
solution for climate change? If the carbon sequestration
in Hardwood lumber products is as sustainable as the
carbon sequestration of the growing tree because the
wood stays in service for decades as the new tree grows
up in the old trees place, shouldn’t we be labeled organic?
We save biodiversity, we save trees, we save the environment.
We don’t have a word problem. We have an audience
problem. We need to stop preaching to the choir and
start talking to the environmentalists on the other side.
Either they believe what they preach, or they don’t. If they
don’t, then we will out them as frauds and hypocrites. But
for the few that want to walk the walk, we can affirm that
Hardwood lumber is the solution to having a good life full
of forests, animals, and a healthy society; ensuring that
the next generation has a good life too. We agree with
the environmentalists that a healthy forest is necessary
for our well-being and future generations. Why knot call
over to the other side and let them know? n
NAFF BULLETIN Continued from page 24
These traits are all wrapped up in a sense of adventure,
and what’s more adventurous than a young mind? Or a
young person seeking an apprenticeship or internship or
rewarding career path? Working to teach young people
about forests and wood products because the future is
in their hands. Preparing them with factual information
about wood as a renewable resource and opening their
eyes to the opportunities that exist for engaging careers
in the industry.
These concepts are part of what we do every day in
this industry. They’re not new, but the Year of the Wood
Dragon sheds new light on the industry. And that makes
starting some of those all-important conversations just a
bit easier.
Seeds of the future
As we enter 2024, the need for qualified workers to
fill a wide range of jobs throughout the forest products
industry is still great. Upskilling current workers and cultivating
an interest in the industry are both important ways
to grow this pool of qualified talent. You’re already planting
seeds, with outreach to schools and colleges, field
trips and internships.
Looking to the future, the North American Forest
Foundation is working to help reach the next generation,
starting with the seedlings–kids in the early years
of elementary school. By providing classroom teachers
with programming that targets children in kindergarten
through third grade, we let them see the possibilities that
could follow from a career in the forest products industry.
Mixing creativity and a sense of adventure–both Wood
Dragon attributes–we help make learning the Truth About
Trees fun. A digital learning app designed specifically for
junior high school students is in the works. This will reach
kids at a critical age, when they are beginning to think
more seriously about what their work future could look
like. Building upon the classroom kit, it will add another
layer of understanding and introduce career topics.
Donations drive the work we do–both in the classroom
and as an advocate for the industry. They make it possible
for us to provide classroom kits to teachers at no
charge, and the digital app as well, once it’s released.
Want to help plant some seeds that will help establish
a thriving wood products workforce? Your support helps
more people understand the benefits of healthy forests
for future generations to enjoy, and helps encourage
young people to embark on a career in the industry. Visit
our website or contact me at adeford@northamerican
forestfoundation.org.
We love talking about wood, and the Year of the Wood
Dragon adds some star power to the topic. Make the
most of this unusual opportunity and start some valuable
conversations with your customers and those around
you. n
Wood: The Natural Choice
Stay on track: www.rta.org or
“Quality Hardwood Lumber and Flooring”
Quality Hardwood Lumber
24 Million ft. Annually of Bandsawn Lumber
One Million ft. of Kiln Capacity
Planing Mill Facilities
Straight Line Capability
Width Sorting
On Site Container Loading
Serving you from our facilities in Georgia and Tennessee.
Quality Solid Hardwood and Engineered Flooring
Buena Vista, GA – 75,000 sf Solid Hardwood Flooring
Facility Producing 3/4, 2-1/4, 3-1/4, 4 and 5″
Humidity Controlled Warehouses
Newport, TN – 85,000 sf Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Facility Producing 5/8, 2-1/4, 3-1/4, 4, 5, 6 and 7″
in Red Oak, White Oak and Hickory
Humidity Controlled Warehouses
Owner/Partner - Roland Weaver (229) 649-9328
V.P. of Sales – Kevin Cloer (423) 623-7382
Flooring Sales/Lumber Purchasing – Bobby Cloer (423) 623-7382
Oakcrest Lumber, Inc.
Ph: (229) 649-9328 FAX: (229) 649-9585
Email: oakcrest@windstream.net
Website: www.oakcrestlumber.com
88 APRIL 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry
www.RealAmericanHardwood.com/industry
APRIL 2024 n NATIONAL HARDWOOD MAGAZINE 89