AOL’s Storm Cites ‘Common Threads’ In Oregon Mill Closures

Writing in the Associated Oregon Loggers (AOL) September Mainline publication about two more recent mill closures in the state, AOL Executive Vice President Rex Storm says he’s noted three common threads in the state’s now seven sawmill closures announced in 2024: “There are multiple factors impacting Oregon’s forest sector, but the three common threads that obstruct our industry are workforce challenges, rising tax and regulation, and public timber supply declines.” Storm added that the loss of rural timber mills is an emerging problem that includes not only the loss of work for Oregon logging contractors and reduced markets for private timber owners, but also fewer destinations for thinning material produced in forest health projects. Delays in federal forest projects increase wildfire risks as well, he said. The closures also add to negative socio-economic impacts in their affected areas and reduced tax base for local governments.