Mills face uncertain log supplies

Story at a Glance

Westem Wood Products Asse ciation forccasts strong lumber production if logs available... aftendance down... W. T. Richards new president... next year's meeting: March 12-15.

sideration with other environmental concerns.

The association projects 1990 U.S. housing starts at 1.35 million, down from 1989's 1.375 million. That would mean lumber required for the nation's new home construction would decline from 15.8 billion feet in 1989 to 15.6 billion in 1990.

Lumber required for new home construction "is almost at a wash with repair and remodeling, " Roberts said. The latter market took 15.2 billion feet last year, and is anticipated to require 15.0 billion this year.

Export markets increased 3.30/o over 1988. "We expect exports will again show about a 30/o increase this year over 1989 levels," he said.

Simpson declared that in the industry future "productivity will be the name of the game. We will all have to operate smarter to survive, and we cannot depend on passing increased costs through to our customers. We must build strong relationships with our customers and give them consistent quality.

"We will be tested in the coming decade," he said. "But our industry will prevail because it is necessary and basic to the future of our country."

Elected new chairman of WWPA was W.T. "Tom" Richards, president of Idaho Forest Industries, Coeur d'Alene, Id. His father was the association's top elected official when it changed its name in 1964 from Western Pine Association to the present Western Wood Products Association.

First vice chairman is James Whitney, president of Kaibab Forest Products, Phoenix, Az. John Shelk, Ochoco Lumber Co., Prineville, Or., was chosen second vice chairman.

Next year's meeting again will be at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, but the timing goes back to traditional March dates, the l2-15, 1991.