Author Description

These projections reflect the consequences of recent changes in the Alaska forest sector & trends in markets for Alaska products. With the cancellation of the long-term contracts & the closure of the two southeast Alaska pulp mills, demand for Alaska national forest timber now depends on markets for sawn wood & the ability to export manufacturing residues & lower grade logs. Four scenarios are presented that display a range of possible future demands. The range in annual demand for timber from Alaska national forests is 48 to 370 million board feet of logs annually. Areas of uncertainty includes the prospect of continuing changes in markets & competition, & the rates of investment & innovation in manufacturing in Alaska. Illustrations.