Institute for Transportation

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.