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Hardwood Lumber Grading Short Course

September 19-21, 2006 (Registration Deadline: September 8, 2006)
2007 Course not yet scheduled

Why is lumber grading so important?

This short course provides a practical introduction to hardwood lumber grading, including a thorough discussion of the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) rules and practice grading of actual lumber.

The NHLA grade rules are the "official language" of hardwood lumber producers, distributors, buyers, and wood product manufacturers throughout North America. The value of having all levels of company personnel knowledgeable about lumber grades and grading practices cannot be over-emphasized. Making each person "rules conscious" results in a more carefully manufactured product, a more profitable yield from the log, and a keener sense of the value of the lumber being handled and utilized. This course is not just for lumber graders and inspectors. In fact, participants from recent courses have included: sawyers; edger, trimmer, ripsaw, kiln, and planer operators; yard and rough mill supervisors; sawmill managers; lumber buyers and sales people; portable sawmill owners; and forklift drivers.

Anyone who works in the hardwood lumber industry is encouraged to attend. A minimum enrollment of 20 is needed to conduct this course. Class size is limited, so don't delay in registering.

Instruction

The principal instructor is Barry Kibbey, a regional inspector with the National Hardwood Lumber Association. He is an experienced lumberman, an expert lumber grader, and an outstanding instructor. His years of experience will be beneficial to each person attending this course.

Assisting will be Harlan Petersen, Extension Forest Product Specialist with the University of Minnesota, Department of Bio-based Products in St. Paul.

We look forward to working with you.

Location and Schedule

This year's course will be held at the Cloquet Forestry Center. The Center is located about 4 miles southwest of Cloquet, MN. Cloquet is about 135 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul or about 20 miles southwest of Duluth. View map.

The course begins at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 19th (check-in and registration 8:00-8:30 a.m.) and concludes on Thursday, September 21 about 3:00 p.m.

The Cloquet Forestry Center is the University of Minnesota's primary research and education forest, comprising 3400 contiguous acres situated within the St. Louis River drainage area of the Lake Superior basin. The Center's location in Minnesota's major forested region provides an ideal setting for the course. The classroom and related facilities are situated amongst a stand of large, mature red pine and the property includes numerous trails and other opportunities to explore the natural world.

Lodging and Meals

Noon lunches and the refreshment breaks will be provided at the Center and are included in the registration fee. A number of nearby restaurants are available for all other meals.

For those needing lodging, several options are available. (Lodging is not included in the registration fee.) For those who are budget-conscious and would enjoy the natural setting (and no TV's), lodging is available at the Cloquet Forestry Center. Shared rooms are available at $30 per person for the first night and $25 for additional nights. Private rooms are $43 per person for the first night and $38 for subsequent nights. Rates do not include sales tax.

For those who want more amenities, a few of the local motels are listed below. Information about lodging, area attractions, and recreation opportunities is also available at the Cloquet Area Chamber of Commerce website or by calling 218-879-1551.

• AmericInn - Cloquet
  111 Big Lake Road & Highway 33, Cloquet, MN 55720
  218-879-1231 or 877-879-1522
  Includes Continental Breakfast

• AmericInn - Carlton
  I-35 & Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718
  218-384-3535 or 800-396-5007
  Includes Continental Breakfast

• Black Bear Casino & Hotel
  I-35 & Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718
  800-553-0022

• Super 8 of Cloquet
  121 Big Lake Road, Cloquet, MN 55720
  218-879-1250 or 800-800-8000
  Includes Continental Breakfast

• Driftwood Motel
  1413 Highway 33 South, Cloquet, MN 55720
  218-879-4638

• Golden Gate Motel
  3202 River Gate Ave., Cloquet, MN 55720
  218-879-6752 or 800-732-4241
  
• Royal Pines Motel
  I-35 & Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718
  218-384-4242
  
• Sunnyside Motel
  807 Sunnyside Drive, Highway 33 North, Cloquet, MN 55720
  218-878-4721

What to Bring

Participants should bring their own 36-inch, 4-line lumber rule, if available. Rule books and other materials will be furnished. (We have a limited supply of lumber rules available for use for those who do not have their own.)

Registration

Registration for this 3-day lumber grading short course is $250/person. For companies sending 2 or more participants, registration is $225/person.

The course fee includes the cost of instruction, a NHLA grade rules book, handout materials, lunches, refreshment breaks, and other related expenses. Maximum enrollment is 35 and minimum enrollment is 20. Registration is honored in the order received. Please print & mail the registration form. Early registration is advised. For additional information contact Harlan Petersen at (612) 624-3407 or harlan@umn.edu.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday September 8, 2006

Sponsored by:

• University of Minnesota, Bio-based Products Department
• National Hardwood Lumber Association

In Cooperation with:

• University of Minnesota, Cloquet Forestry Center
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• Wood-Mizer Products, Inc.