Monitoring of visually graded structural lumber

To satisfy the increased demand for forest products, much of the future timber supply is expected to be derived from improved trees grown on managed plantations. This fast-grown resource will tend to be harvested in short-age rotations and will contain higher proportions of juvenile wood compared with wood in current harvests. As a result, current allowable properties may need to be reduced in the future. This report explores four options for monitoring the properties of fastgrown wood and briefly discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches. The recommended multiplestage sampling approach is illustrated in detail using simulated results based on the North American In-Grade test results for Southern Pine. Finally, the report presents details of a “real world” example of monitoring lumber properties currently being conducted by the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau.