Lumber output kee rising in the West

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production to the highest volume in seven years, according to final totals published by Western Wood Products Association.

WWPA released final industry figures fbr 1999 following its annual survey of nearly 300 mills in 13 western states including Alaska.

Western lumber production in 1999 totaled 17.53 billion bd. ft., up 6Vo from 1998 volumes and the highest regional output since 1992 when I 8 .4 I bi llion bd. ft. w as cut.

Estimated wholesale value of western lumber jumped to $7.37 billion in 1999 from $6.11 billion in 1998.

The climb in western production came during a record year for U.S. lumber consumption, which reached an all-time high of 54.3 billion bd. ft. A strong housing market accounted for much of the nation's lumber use. Total housing starts reached 1.67 million, up 3.17o. Single-family housing, the largest market for lumber, surged 5%o to 1.34 million units, the highest total of the decade. Each new sinsle-

A strong housing

market accounted for much of the nation's lumber use.

second-largest lumber producing state with 4.22 billion bd. ft. worth an estimated $1.66 billion. California kept the third position with3.22 billion bd. ft. with an estimated value of $1.64 billion.

Overall, Oregon, Washington and California produced 777o of the region's lumber. In total, nine western states saw production increases compared to the previous year.

Production and estimated wholesale value for other western states were: Idaho, 1.97 billion bd. ft., $824 million; Montana, 1.34 billion bd. ft., $530 million; Wyoming, 219 million bd. ft., $89 million; South Dakota, 164 million bd. ft., $71 million; New Mexico, 104 million bd. ft., $43 million; Colorado, 93 million bd. ft., $35 million; Arizona,67 million bd. ft., $29 million. and Utah. 67 million bd.

ft., $25 million.

There was no lumber production in Nevada in 1999. Alaska's lumber production-95 million bd. ft.-was not factored into the western total.

WWPA represents lumber manufacturers in 13 westem states including Alaska. Based in Portland, Or., WWPA compiles lumber industry statistics and provides business information services to mills. The association also provides quality standards and technical support services to the industry.

family home uses an average of 13.900 bd. ft. of softwood lumber.

Oregon retained its position in 1999 as the top lumber producing state in the country. Production in Oregon jumped lOVo to 6.06 billion bd. ft.

Estimated wholesale value of Oregon's lumber production was $2.43 billion.

Washington again ranked as the