US timber producers expect stronger demand for lumber

US timber and forest products sector leaders and market analysts say warmer temperatures mean a return to a more typical seasonal demand as construction and home improvement projects resume after the winter slowdown. They say the timber market should fare reasonably well this year, despite rising interest rates affecting new home purchases. Dennis Webb, chief forester of Davenport-based Big Creek Lumber, a family-owned wood products company that produces mostly redwood and operates a sawmill and six retail locations, said higher interest rates have led to a modest decline in prices for most species of timber.  ...