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Article by Dan Shell,
Managing Editor

Recent announcements dovetail nicely with the SmartLam feature article running in this issue on page 32 that details the background, current operations and future plans of the first U.S. cross laminated timber (CLT) plant in Montana.

The SmartLam plant and another CLT plant in the planning stages at D.R. Johnson in Riddle, Ore. are both banking on wider acceptance and increasing use of what some are calling the “mass timber” family of forest product technologies that include laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and laminated strand lumber (LSL) in addition to CLT.

As this issue went to press, the plan to create demand for such products and enlarge wood’s market share in commercial construction received two big assists from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) and Plum Creek Timber, with both organizations providing financial resources for the effort.

In mid September U.S. Sec. of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, in partnership with the Softwood Lumber Board and the Binational Softwood Lumber Council, announced the winners of the U.S. Tall Wood Building Prize Competition. Two teams were granted a combined $3 million to support the development of tall wood demonstration projects in New York and Portland, Ore.

The two winning proposals met the competition criteria to showcase the safe application, practicality and sustainability of a minimum 80 ft. structure that uses mass timber, composite wood technologies and innovative building techniques. Both will receive a $1.5 million grant from the USDA

In Portand’s Pearl District, the Framework LLC 12-story urban + rural ecological project is to be constructed primarily of cross-laminated timber (CLT) and will support a distinct blend of functions including street-level retail, office, workforce housing and community space.

In New York City, the 475 West 18th project’s extensive use of wood structural elements helps meet sustainability targets in the building’s design, construction, and operation, reducing energy consumption by 50% as builders seek LEED Platinum certification.

Meanwhile, in Corvallis, Ore., Plum Creek officials announced a $1 million commitment to the Oregon State University College of Forestry’s new Oregon Forest Science Complex. The new home of one of the top forestry colleges in the world, The 85,000 sq. ft. complex includes an advanced wood products lab. The facility will be built from and dedicated to developing sustainable new wood building products, including CLT.

According to Plum Creek CEO Rick Holley, “We see the OSU complex as a unique place that will effectively showcase the innovation and sustainability of wood products.”

Plum Creek’s commitment is a key development for the $60 million OSU Forestry School project that’s being funded by private gifts and $29.7 million in approved state bonds.

Efforts to develop new markets for innovative new wood building products are key to future industry growth. The increased acceptance of smart new wood construction systems that can reduce building and operation costs—and a project’s “carbon footprint”—will benefit all segments of the forest products industry.