Where is western red cedat going?

T h. current recession has hit the I forest industry like a giant sledgehammer with shutdowns and cutbacks occurring in all areas. Logging shutdowns, both seasonal and recession induced, have reduced the supply of cedar logs available for processing. However, any shortages are likely to be a short term situation caused by the economic slump, experts says.

Westem red cedar manufacturers expect products to return to normal levels in 1992 as the economy starts to pick up steam. Industry production is market driven and a recovery in the economy and the housing sector are critical factors in getting forest product manufacturers, including cedar producers, back to a healthy state.

"Eighty five percent of our members' production goes into the Northern American market via the regular distribution channels and we are not anticipating any long term problems in supply," says Ken McKeen, Vancouver, B.C., Canada-based president of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. "In fact. the WRCLA is embark- ing on a major promotional program for cedarproducts in the U.S. thisyear."

The WRCLA program will stress the natural properties of cedar that make it an appropriate and high quality wood for residential use. Ken McClelland, general manager of WRCLA's new satellite office in Vancouver, says, "The program will help end users fully understand the unique qualities of cedar and will provide product quality assurance. We will be putting field staff in place to assist purchasers in targeting the right grade for the right end use and to monitor product quality." (See p. 10 for related story.)

Story at a Glance

Canadian producers see short term shortage caused by eco nomicslump WRCLAinaugurates majorpromotional pre gram in U.S. satellite oflice opens in Vancouver, Ganada.