On Thu, 30 Nov 1995, Bret Diamond wrote: > B) that we can maintain a sustainable level of harvest if we continue to > export 50% of the PNW cut, and C) that over-cutting has not so damaged > Bret - You might want to check your sources on this one. Actual export volume from Oregon is more like 20%. Volume from Washington I think is slightly higher due to higher preponderance of private land, but certainly not anywhere near 50% Other factors you might want to consider about log exports: 1) prices for export grade logs have historically been higher than prices for domestic logs. Thus by restricting log exports you essentially reduce the value of timberland to owners *and* reduce the incentive for those landowners to invest in things like reforestation, fire control, erosion control, or wildlife habitat projects. You also increase the possibility that landowners will convert forest lands to higher value uses (such as golf courses or junk yards). 2) The ability of foreign buyers to pay higher prices for logs in the US is determined to a large extent by foreign exchange rates. As we send more dollars overseas, foreign countries can, in turn, pay higher prices for our logs without devaluing their own currency. In other words, if you're going to complain about log exports don't do it while driving a Honda Civic or operating a Japanese-made computer. 3) Only logs from private lands may be exported. There are laws that prohibit the export of logs from federal lands and from State of Oregon lands. There are also laws that prohibit "substitution" by companies that both export and process logs domestically. Trevor Stone Corvallis, OR
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