The next SANPARK wood auction will be held on 25 and 26 May. For those not in the know, here’s how it works. Indigenous logs harvested from the State forests in the garden Route are stockpiled at dedicated depots in different forests. On auction day each prospective buyer receives a list with lot numbers. Each lot contains one or more logs and details on type, length and volume of the log(s) are given. Lots are auctioned off one by one. Price can be as low as R200/m3 depending on species, size and buyer’s interest.

Removing logs from the depot is the buyer’s responsibility. Added to the cost of the log is transportation and off course, sawmilling. Keep in mind that around 50% of log volume is lost in the sawmilling process (sawing round into square, sawdust etc.) R200/m3 becomes R400/m3. I have bought some of the less popular species like Assegai, Candlewood, Forest Elder, and Boekenhout at that price in the past. Off course, popular woods like Yellowwood and the large Black woods fetch much higher prices with Stinkwood normally the most expensive.

Harvesting of these logs is done according to principles laid down by the Forest Stewardship council (FSC) and all timber is FSC certified. The FSC is an international control organization who aims to regulate the extraction and marketing of timbers derived from natural forests, thus ensuring sustainability of the resource.

On 25 May 2010, the first auction will take place at the Diepwalle depot at 09h00. The next auction is at 11h30 at the Harkerville depot. On 26 May, all the action will be at the Covie depot near Nature’s Valley.

If you want more info, email me: info@woodspark.co.za and I can forward the auction notices.