30 January 2023

THE URBAN WOOD CHIP

a bi-monthly publication of the NC Urban Wood Group

Exploring Urban Ashes' CUT Model in Detail

In a previous NC Urban Wood Chip publication, I shared a video about the Circular UrbanWood Triconomy (CUT) Model. This unique approach to urban wood use is the brainchild of Paul Hickman at Urban Ashes in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Hickman developed the model to create high quality products out of urban wood while training at-risk youth in the woodworking business.

Click here to access Urban Ashes' presentation on how this model sequesters more carbon than does the "Business As Usual" (BAU) Model. This presentation also identifies:

major companies (e.g., Ford, Anthropologie) that are interested in joining the model and
multiple municipalities in excellent position to adopt the model, including the Town of Cary in NC!

Want to explore the socio-economic benefits of Hickman's CUT Model? Click here to read the University of Michigan's 60-page report on how Urban Ashes generated such benefits for the City of Ann Arbor.

Member Spotlight

Meet Loring McIntyre, the owner of a custom sawmill operation and member of the NCUWG Advisory Council. He's a trained forester, former Soil and Water Conservation District employee, and life long lover of wood.

During his 20-minute interview, Loring educated me, a trained wildlife biologist and ecologist, on the basics of sawmill operation (e.g., types of sawmills, pros and cons of each). Our conversation also explored Loring's:

evolution into his current portable sawmilling career.
views on how North Carolina can overcome its wasteful disposal of quality urban wood.

Click here to read my 2-page, bulleted report of Loring's interview.

Sawmilling Resources

Want a refresher course on how to mill your own lumber and build your business?

Check out the suite of how-to videos and tips from Wood-Mizer. This manufacturer of sawmill products provides mini-tutorials on a wide range of topics:

selecting a portable sawmill and blade
grading your lumber for permitted structures
sawing tips during the cold weather seasons
assigning fees for your sawmill services
marketing your sawmill company
building instructions for a wood kiln

In April 2007, the International Finance Corporation released the publication, Environmental, Health & Safety Guidelines for Sawmilling & Manufactured Wood Products.

This document offers recommendations for how sawmillers can:

minimize their wood waste, air emissions, and water effluent runoff.
safely store and handle hazardous wood preservatives.
avoid physical harm when operating machines and conveyor systems, handling logs, and exposing themselves to chemicals, loud noise, and wood sawdust.

NC Urban Wood Group

(984) 276-0072

urbanwoodnc@gmail.com

Visit our website

NC Urban Wood Group Advisory Council

Damon Barron, Carolina Urban Lumber

Avery Earwood, Wild Edge Woodcraft

Steve Larosiliere, Acres of Timber

Loring McIntyre, McIntyre Farms, LLC

Randall Williams, Fireside Farm & Sawmill

Frederik Laleicke, NCSU Cooperative Extension

Harry Watt, NCSU Cooperative Extension

Barry New, NC Forest Service

Andrew Plenninger, NC Forest Service

Leslie Moorman, NC Urban Forest Council

The NC Urban Wood Chip is prepared by Kathryn B. Reis, Program Assistant for the North Carolina Urban Forest Council