Hardwood Availability a Problem

by Larry R. Frye

Fine Hardwoods/Anrerican Walnut Assn Indiananolis. ln.

Ai"Y"t i"r":

1980s, our association members see challenging times ahead.

Raw material availability will be our biggest concern. North American forests and woodlands are now supplying wood to all parts of the world. At the same time. the number of acres devoted to timber production seems to be on the decrease. This means forestry in the United States has to be intensified if the wood is to continue to be available.

Story at a Glance

Raw material availability the biggest concern . . wood used for fuel may reduce future veneer and lumber supplies. . gasohol production may reduce land available for growing trees. better forest management essential.

landowners or they will continue to take the easiest route

The possibility of increased production of gasohol from grain will encourage additional land clearing for row crops. This too, must be confronted by forestry promoters. If for no other reason than support for the forestry program, the membership of the association should increase. All hardwood veneer mills, and most of the large lumber mills should be behind this effort.

As for business in 1980. we will continue to be optimistic and proceed into 1980 with an open mind. We know tight money will affect our business. and we believe the market will soften some. but we do not feel the bottom will drop out.

People are expected to have less to spend at least through the first half of the year. Businesses are likely to continue to reduce inventories, so we shouid all keep our inventories in line in the meantime.

The slowdown will make it more difficult to "make a buck," thus the need for greater efficiency will be more evident. Maintaining a tighter control on production rates and related costs will be more important to the mills.

We encourage you to visit the new association headquarters at 5603 West Raymond St., Suite "O", Park Fletcher Industrial Complex, Indianapolis, lndiana. You are always welcome.

Another Good Year for Gedar Shingles, Shakes

THE RED cedar shingle and I handsplit shake industry has enjoyed a high level of consumer and trade demand throughout the West during 1979, and it is anticipated that this demand will be sustained to a substantial degree durine 1980.

Since the 13 western states are this industry's premiunr market, it is significant that: the West is enjoying a 1.8V, annual population growth, over twice the national figure: westerners have a $342 per person higher average income than average U.S.l 30(1, of housing starts and 2601' of home improvements take place in the western area despite the fact that but l8{X, of total population resides in this region. (U.S. Department of Commerce figures. )

All industries who rely on hardwood timber. as well as those who rely on lumber, veneer, or wood fiber in other forms must band together in full support of hardwood forest management efforts.

The 1980s will see wood once again used for fuel, which means additional pressure on the volumes of young, straight trees that are easy to cut and stack. These are the same young trees that represent our future lumber and veneer trees. Using trees for fuel wood cotrld be an excellent way to use crooked, low value trees, but the message has to be clearly presented to the

Custom home construction is a key factor in the industry's optimism. Traditionally less affected by market conditions, upper level inconre consumers continue Lo manage financing and to exerl their influence on architects and builders in the use of quality components, such as cedar shakes and shingles.

Another major factor is the burgeoning residential remodeling industry, as it encompasses re-roofing and over-roofing. Western remodeling contractors are increasingly aware of the ability of cedar shingles and shakes to visually unify and beautify a residence when a major remodel is called for, and to bring durability, beauty and low maintenance requirements to even a simple re-roofing project.

Story at a Glance

High levelof consumer and trade demand for red cedar shingles and shakes expected in 198O. .. strong custom home market, plus increased residential remodeling will bolster market.

The surging multi-family apartment and condominium market is another key consideration. More and more builders and investors are responding to an increasingly sophisticated consumer (whether owner or renter) who is looking for habitation that brings quality in both appearance and construction. Also. western architects and builders have led the U.S. in their acceptance and use of cedar shakes and shingles on commercial structures of all varieties: shopping centers, hospitals. restaurants, offices. etc. Product use in this category of (Please turn to page I I I )