WE BUILT
NEW YORK CITY AND CHICAGO.
WE CAN BUILD YOU A SNOWBOARD.
The fact is, New York City and Chicago would not extist as we know them today, were it not for the natural resources of The North. Northeastern Minnesota and the Great Lakes region provided the iron ore and true-grained white pine (Pinus strobus) that built the early steel and timber towers of these great cities. It turns out skis and snowboards of today aren't that different from those early sky scrapers. In both wood beams and planks make up the majority of the structure with critical steel compentents added for funtion and safety. The iron mines may not be as productive today and the swaths of virgin white pines not as plentiful, but the resources are still there. Modern skis and snowboards utilize woods with high strength to weight ratios such as poplar (Populus tremuloides) and birch (Betula negra) common secondary forest types that are already commonly managed for use in the pulp wood industry. Maple and ash, though heavier are commonly used when lighter weight is not an goal but dampening and strength properties are. The former, especially green ash is being cut down in vast quantities to proactively manage a devestating invasive pest, the emerald ash borer. Fungus spread by the tunneling beetles leave the vascular system of the tree dead but the wood intact and usable. But due to forestry managment protocols to prevent further spread of disease, these trees have minimal high-value commercial use. In cities like Minneapolis where ash make up more than 50% of the mature urban canopy, this is a huge problem for city foresters. This area was built on industries like timber and milling. We want to revive that industry, make responsible and sustainable use of our natural resrouces, turn waste into assets, create jobs, and build you a great snowboard in the process. Whatever is strapped to your feet right now likely wasn't made here. And even if it was made by one of the few great American-made snowboard brands left, it's unlikely that the wood in it's core was. We want to change that. This wasn't called Mill City for no reason. Let's shred!
