Growing Poplar for Growing Markets: A Study of Sawmill Production and Market Dynamics

Abstract

This project conducts a market analysis of Pacific Albus and investigates the statistical relationship between timber inputs and lumber outputs at GreenWood Resources’ Upper Columbia Mill. The market analysis was done to gain a better understanding of the Pacific Albus and to identify future opportunities for it to gain market share given its competitiveness with alder, aspen, and other species; both in terms of end-use functionality and price. This study also developed an enhanced product recovery model for Pacific Albus that describes how log measurement variables statistically explain the board feet recovered and the composition of those products. By doing so, it may be possible to estimate recovered lumber volume and value of Pacific Albus trees by taking a few simple measurements.