'79 lumber demand called "acceptable"

Demand for western lumber in 1979 will be "acceptable," members of the Western Wood Products Association were told at a two-day fall meeting with a program including an economic report from H. A. Roberts, WWPA's executive vice president. More than 300 lumbermen from throughout the West were registered at the Scottsdale, Az., meeting.

''Increases in industrial and commercial construction, home repair and remodeling, and most other lumber markets should almost offset a downtrend in housing starts next year," he said.

"Even lumber exports to JaPan are almost certain to be uP."

WWPA is forecasting next year's housing starts at 1,750,000, though Roberts indicated it could well go hisher. The association's current esti- mate for 1978 starts is 1,900,000, uP 50,000 from the March forecasts. Roberts noted that lumber production has been strong throughout the West this year, but especially in the coastal producing region of the Pacific Northwest, up 10% over early estimates.

Story at a Glance

Western lumber demand in'79 foreseen as "acceptable" at WWPA's fall meeting fed's RARE ll study termed a consumer rather than an environmental issue because of its impact on inflation and recreation.

"A strong Califomia market served to encourage coast mills to exceed themselves," he said. "And a strong western market and pick-up in export demand should keep coast shipments high on into 1979."

WWPA's member mills, located throughout much of the l2-state western lumber manufacturing region, produce about one-quarter of all U.S. softwood production annually.

In another presentation, WWPA President A. M. "Mickey" Whiting said that whether certain U. S. forest lands should be designated wilderness or production is a consumer issue. not an environmental one. Whiting is also chairman and president of Kaibab Industries, Phoenix.

Speaking on the U. S. forest service RARE II study (the second roadless (Please tum to page 74)