Timber

Need to Doubfe by 2O2O

The nation's timber needs, expected to double by the year 2020, can be met by efficient management of publicly-owned forest land, particularly National Forests, says Harry A. Merlo, Louisiana-Pacific chairman and president.

And, adds Merlo, sound management of the National Forest System could retum close to $3 billion each vear to the federal treasury.

According to Merlo, 52% of our standing inventory of softwood timber is in National Forests, yet these supply only 27% of the total annual softwood sawtimber needsrequiring industry and other privately-owned lands to make up the difference.

"At the same time, nearly half as much timber is allowed to rot and die in the National Forests each year as is harvested for productive purposes," he added.

It is up to Congress to "take the lead in establishins a clear national policy which states goals and priorit[s, directs efficient use of national resources and provides adequate financing.

"Timber harvests on the National Forests could be increased SWo - 1007o without impairing future supply and while maintaining environmental standards, bui it takes money.

"Larger timber harvests would require increased initial investments which would yield immediate and manyfold retums to the federal treasury." he added.

''If 25 billion board feet of timber were put up for sale, instead of the 10 - 12 billion board feet currently being sold, the National Forest System could retum close to $3 billion to the U. S. Treasury, in addition to wiping out its current half-billion annual operating deficit.

"Congiess knows this is possible," said Merlo. ..In July a representative from Western Timber Association in San Francisco shared this analysis with the House Subcommittee on Forests holding hearings on the Resources Planning Act."

Merlo said unless Congress is willing to meet the problem head-on instead of coming up with short-term solutions the result will be a national timber shortase.

AV Wholesaler Training Plan

The National Building Material Distributors Association (NBMDA) is in the second phase of its LaBelle audio/ visual program, production of a series of LaBelle cassettes to assist in the training of distributor personnel. The first color/sound cassette will deal with trainine of the wholesaler's inside sales personnel and is expectei'to be completed by the end of 1977. Eventually, all operational areas of the wholesaler's business will be covered.

Phase One of the LaBelle program consisted of a concerted effort by a number of cooperating trade associations to place LaBelle projectors and cassette programs in retail outlets for consumer "How-To" education.

Many manufacturers have supported the efforts of wholesaler and retailer groups. Abitibi Corp. as an example, has cassettes covering installation of paneling, siding and general home improvements, which are now showing in over 1,000 home centers and retail building supply outlets throughout the country.

Wood Products SurveY

A nationwide industry suryey was conducted recently by a Corvallis, Or. wood products firm, Brand S Corp. A 1200-piece questionnaire mailing realized a 33% return.

Dealing in futures was judged to be a gambling proposition bY 5Wo;23% said it was useful for hedging; 3% felt it had a tremendous profit potential. Many of those questioned admitted to a non-understanding of futures, and whtle 84% did not deal in the market, 16% bought up to 24% of their Prod- ucts through futures.

A question about the number of plys preferred brought a 97% response in favor of 5-ply. IndustrY wide, a 92% preference was noted.

Douglas Fir plywood was rated "superior" by 43%, and "somewhat better" by 29%. Only 3% felt it was inferior.

Jerry Larson of North Star Forest Materials in So. St. Paul, Mn., said: "All things being equal, most everybody around here would Prefer to buy Western wood.

PersonalService

13 hardworking acres, specializing in mouldings, upper grades in softwoods, imported and domestic hardwoods. Complete milling and kiln drying facilities. RR spur.

Bob Ulvedal of WoodmasterWholesale in Lakewood, Co., said, "We sell mostly Douglas fir plywood and will sell a 5-ply over a 4-ply any time the price differential is acceptable'"

Who Has 800 Numbers?

Before you spend Your nickel making a long distance telephone call, dial (800) 555-1212 to find out if the party you're calling has a toll-free (800) number you can use.

More Southern Hardwood

August hardwood lumber production in the South increased 17% over July, according to the latest figures from the Southern Hardwood Lumber Manufacturers Association. Orders received were 14% higher than the previous month while shipments were up 17%.

Orders on hand at the end of August were d,own 4% from the preceding month while gross mill stocks remained virtually the same.

Compared to the same period one year ago, production dropped l%, orders received dropped 12% and shipments were down 2%. However, orders on hand were 3To higher with mill inventories 2%lower than August, 1976.

NewHousewares Film

Plans for a l5-minute color film to tell the story of America's $23 billion housewares industry have been announced by the National Housewares Manufacturers Association.

The new movie will be a film of products, people and ideas, presenting a panorama of the color and exhibits at the NHMA Housewares Show. It will portray the size of the show and the scope and diversity of the industry it represents, according to NHMA.

Entitled "Products, People ond ldeas: America's Housewares Industry," it will be filmed at the January, 1978 NHMA National Housewares Exposition at McCormick Place, Chicago and will be premiered at the July, 1978 Housewares Show.

Meet Bill Welsh ...lumber and building I supply insurance pro.

Bill specializes in insurance for the lumber * building supply industry. He already serves many leading clients in this field. Because of his experience, he can develop a plan specifically for you, to meet your future needs. His portfolio of plans includes Pension and Profit Sharing,'Keogh, Disability Income, Executive Compensation, Group Insurance and Estate Planning, just to name a few. Discover how Bill's expertise can benefit you and vour comoanv. Chtt him now and add Biil Welsh to your team.

CALL014) 541-3374 or (213) 865-1225

Connectiggl surte:to Mftuaiiid- 3?fi":rl;:8ef (or c/o Box 1046)