Association News

Lumber Demand Heading for Record in 2005

The rising tide of housing construction will push lumber demand to a new high mark this year, then ebb modestly in 2006, according to a forecast released by Western Wood Products Association (WWPA).

WWPA estimates lumber demand will climb to 63.6 billion board feet in 2005, an increase of 3 percent from last year's record of 61.8 billion board feet. It will be the fourth consecutive all-time high for lumber demand.

Housing has been the force behind the record demand — two million homes forecast to be constructed this year using more than 27 billion board feet of lumber. Repair and remodeling will also top 20 billion board feet for the first time.

Slower home construction in 2006 will reduce demand by 2 percent to 62.4 billion board feet, according to WWPA's forecast. While lower, the consumption volume will be the second highest on record.

Pacific Logging Congress 2006 “Live In The Woods” Show

Technological advances that improve performance, efficiency and environmental protection in the logging industry will highlight the 2006 Pacific Logging Congress “Live In The Woods” show.

Preparations are underway for the September 20-23, 2006 show that will take place on Longview Fibre’s 86,000-acre Nehalem Tree Farm. The show, which features live demonstrations of the latest logging and on-the-ground forestry technologies, is expected to draw thousands of loggers, foresters, school students and interested citizens from coastal and intermountain regions as well as British Columbia and Alberta.

“We’ll have several mechanical systems running, a helicopter standing stem demonstration by Erickson Air Crane, hand-felling demonstrations and, hopefully, a good-sized tower,” says PLC President Ed Hanscom. “Our objective is to feature every equipment type in use in coastal and interior forests, including chipping and grinding systems used by the region’s increasingly important biomass-to- energy industry.”

The 33rd Wood Technology Clinic & Show

The Wood Technology Clinic & Show is returning to Portland, Ore., March 22-24, 2006. The event is focused exclusively on products, services, and technology for the primary wood processing industry. This year there will be over 350 exhibitors and 80,000 square feet of exhibit space at the Oregon Convention Center. For more information log on to www.woodwideweb.com.

Montana Logging Association 30 Years Old

The Montana Logging Association (MLA) was incorporated in 1976. Today the non-profit organization, which provides a united voice for family-owned businesses, has over 600 members.

This year marks its 30th anniversary and events are in the planning stages. Keep checking the calendar at www.logging.org.

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