Most of us might have overlooked a small but significant article in The Oregonian/OregonLive about the forest industry, (“Forest Grove lumber mill plans upgrade to increase production from younger trees,” July 3, 2024). Stimson Lumber Co. is spending $50 million to develop a process at a facility in Forest Grove that uses smaller trees. Is this good news, or is it a new way to raid Oregon’s forests? The article says the new line will require fewer employees. How is this good news? Was this article real reporting, or a blurb based on a lumber industry press release? What is the story?
I urge The Oregonian/OregonLive to delve deeper into this story. Explore the near and long-term environmental impacts of harvesting younger forests while we are facing growing concerns about climate change.