Shake, Rat(tle), and Roll
Western Red Cedar is one of the oldest types of tree found in the United States due to the fact that they grow in rain forest-like areas that do not experience forest fires. The average age of the cedar logs found on this property is about 1000 years old, verified by multiple tree ring counts. One of the still-standing trees is estimated to be over 1,400 years old.
In the 1960’s, lumberjacks were logging this area to make cedar shake (these workers were colloquially known as “shake rats”) and these huge logs were cut down and then left behind. As the owner made narrow roads through the clear cut, careful to avoid any new growth, he stacked the logs off to the side.
Then he invited Earthwise to bring our Wood Mizer portable saw mill on site to see if the Western Red Cedar logs could still be milled. The end result is the magnificent coastal cedar lumber now available in our inventory.
If you’re interested in learning more about trail building opportunities and exploring this truly unique coastal forest (which is destined now to become a conservation easement for environmental protection), please contact Kurt about getting involved.
Only the Strong Survive
We are especially excited about this new-yet-ancient lumber because the trees are so small relative to their age. If you go a mile or so inland from the site, there is enough shelter from coastal storms that the trees are able to grow big and tall with much more growth each year (meaning wider growth rings). However, the forests that are right up against the coast have been battered by centuries of storms such that only the strongest, slowest growing trees can survive.
This means that the lumber we milled from them is incredibly tight grain. Old growth cedar lumber is very rare and incredibly durable. It is used in musical instruments, mask carving, fine furniture making, and now whatever awesome projects you dream up! This wood has tons of potential. Since the lumber was milled to minimize the waste, we have a mix of live edge and an assortment of different sized lumber available.
Please reach out via phone (206-624-4510) or email if you have any questions! We currently have this gorgeous material for sale at all four Earthwise locations while supplies last. Click here to view our current inventory.
Finally, check out this quick video from the property in Moclips featuring Director of Operations Aaron Blanchard.