NWPWA to host “Log to Lumber” event

News release from our friends at the Northwest PA Woodland Association:

Turning Trees into Timber-Framed Structures

The Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland Association (NWPWA) is sponsoring a program to explain how trees are converted into beautiful timber-framed structures.  David and Margaret Yasenchack are hosting the event at their woodlands in Cambridge Springs on August 24, 2024.  They’ll demonstrate the harvesting and milling techniques used to provide material for their timber framing business.  David will teach how he selects a tree for structural use.  He’ll demonstrate the use of tractor-mounted winches for skidding a log to the mill.  And he’ll show how the log is converted to box-heart timbers and scantlings with a small, portable bandmill.  Pennsylvania Service Foresters will be in attendance to further discuss tree selection and woodland care. 

Bill Benedict, President of the NWPWA, explained that “Our 2024 events have been oriented towards developing and managing a healthier and more productive forest.  This event helps answer the question why:  The trees in Northwestern Pennsylvania are used to build beautiful structures.  The Yasenchacks grow their own trees sustainably, and then use them in the art and craft of timber framing.”  The program will provide an introduction to how trees are selected, harvested, and converted into timbers. 

The program is scheduled to run from 9:00am until 12:00pm on Saturday, August 24^th at 29176 Watson Road, Cambridge Springs, PA.  Admission is free.  After the program, attendees are welcome to join the NWPWA annual picnic featuring hotdogs and beverages supplied by the NWPWA.  Attendees are welcome to bring a dish to share.  Please RSVP so that we can plan accordingly.  Email [email protected] or phone Bill Benedict at 814-881-4779.

About NWPWA:  Founded in 1999, the NWPWA promotes healthy forests.  NWPWA provides education on the methods and benefits of forest management, promotes sustainable forestry and forest stewardship, and assists woodland owners in achieving their goals by sharing experiences and expertise.  NWPWA conducts tours and workshops in which woodland owners and professionals share their knowledge about various forest management practices.  Events are held about four times a year – mostly in the field.  Members include landowners, forest managers, woodland professionals, and anyone interested in the forests of Northwestern PA.  Most of our members and activities are in Erie, Crawford, and Warren counties in PA.