The members of NELMA’s Grading Committee met June 17 at the Association’s Headquarters Office in Cumberland, Maine for their bi-annual review of the Grading Services Policies and Procedures. Chaired by Charlie Lumbert of Moose River Lumber, the Committee analyzed the overall performance of the “Pre-Warning/Warning Condition” section of the Policy, developed and implemented by the Committee and Association Board of Directors in May of 2004. As a result of the review, modifications to streamline the conditions will be proposed to the NELMA Board of Directors for approval at their September 19 meeting.

The Committee also took the opportunity to discuss additional topics of interest in regards to lumber grading in the broader scope, including the issue of long-term, non-use of grade stamps, the continued growth in production of “proprietary” grades, and the policy of grading “in-structure” lumber and timbers.