The Railway Tie Association was organized in 1919. Predecessor groups, dating back to the late 1800s, including The National Association of Railroad Tie Producers, supported the railroad tie industry and worked to preserve forests through conservation. See the Wikipedia article here.
RTA advocates for and conducts activities including:
Specifications
Develop, update, and publish specifications covering the quality of wood crossties, bridge ties, and switch ties.
Operations
Promote and maintain high standards of quality for wood crossties.
- Reflect the latest proven developments in design and treatment
- Provide information about good forestry practices
- Provide information about improved logging methods
- Provide information about best practices for manufacturing, handling, and processing
Government Affairs
- Support and attend Railroad Day on the Hill in partnership with the AAR, ASLRRA and NRC.
- Inform RTA members and others regarding policies and legislative activity affecting the crosstie industry
- Support all efforts to insure the health of the railroad, wood preserving, and sawmill communities
Annual Meetings
- Annual Conference
- Tie Grading Seminar
- Field Trip
- Scholarships for Forestry and Wood Science majors
- Publications