BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER.

(AruO THE DEALER, THE INSTALLER, THE HOMEOWNER, TH E ENVI RON M ENTALIST...)

Strong lines and natural features have always been the trademarks of timeless beauty. Which is why Geodeck-M is catching the eye of so many different people.

This distinct family of composite decking products looks as good as natural wood but offers the added benefit of being completely ma i ntenance -f ree.

Offered'in fade-resistant brushed natural finishes of mahogany and cedar and a driftwood finish that weathers to a silver-gray, Geodeck is guaranteed against insect damage, warping and cracking for up to 20 years.

Available in tongue-and-groove or traditional profiles with matching railings, posts and balusters, the entire line promises an easy installation and a completely integrated, beautiful decking system. Geodeck. lt's innovative. lt's reliable. lt's durable. And you thought beauty was only skin-deep.

Wholesaler Gets Brazilian Redwood

Oregon-Canadian Forest Products, North Plains, Or., has begun manufacturing underwater-harvested Brazilian hard- wood into decking.

The decking line is named Clear Choice DeckingT and Oregon-Canadian will distribute it throughout North America.

The redwood is harvested by Brazilian-based Aquatic Cellulose, and, according to Oregon-Canadian hardwood lumber mgr. Steve Gestiv, the quality of the wood is wellsuited as source material for decking.

Aquatic Cellulose's Gary Ackles noted that the timing of the supply agreement was fortunate for both companies. "With the industry moving away from lumber treated with CCA," he said, "our eco-friendly decking offers a premium quality and preservative-free alternative."

Oregon-Canadian received its initial shipment at the end of February.

Forest Service Settles Bitteroot lssue

The U.S. Forest Service and several environmental groups have agreed to an out-of-court settlement that significantly reduces the logging of fire damaged timber in Montana's Bittenoot National Forest.

In January (see Feb., p. 28), a federal judge blocked the sale of damaged timber in the forest, citing a lack of citizen review in the Forest Service's plan.

The Feb. 7 settlement reduces logging to 27,000 acres, down from the original proposal of 4 I ,000 acres.

Although many see the action as the first defeat for the Bush Administration on a Western land issue, the settlement does allow loggers access to the felled timber before much of it rots-avoiding months of court appeals and delays.

Logging, which was supposed to get underway this winter, is expected to be a boon to the local timber industry.