Content about Land use

Plum Creek Timber Co. has announced revenues of $315 million for its fourth quarter, an 11.5% decrease over revenues of $356 million for the same quarter of 2010. Net earnings for the quarter, which ended Dec. 31, 2010, were $61 million, compared to $59 million a year old.

In year-end figures, Plum Creek reported revenues of $1.16 billion for fiscal 2011, a 2.5% decrease over $1.19 billion in 2010. Net income for the Seattle-based company was $193 million, compared to $213 million for fiscal 2010.

A new U.S. Forest Service study is urging U.S. builders to prioritize wood as a green building material due to its environmental benefits, low carbon emissions and verifiable third-party rating system for “green” certification.

The authors of “Science Supporting the Economic and Environmental Benefits of Using Wood and Wood Products in Green Building Construction” reviewed the scientific literature and found that using wood in building products yields fewer greenhouse gases than using other common materials.

Plum Creek Timber benefited from good results from its real estate segment to post increases in its second-quarter sales and earnings.

The Seattle-based company reported earnings of $44 million in the second quarter, up from $35 million in the same quarter last year. Sales increased to $284 million, up from $258 million.

On the value of FSC certification


“It is pay to play. Consumers have bought into the deal. If you fill out forms, pay fees to an offshore entity in Europe, you are good to go.”

— Todd Wilfong 
M4L Inc.

Hershey, Pa.



“I do not know of any customers asking about any wood certification of any kind. If selling FSC lumber were the only way that I could sell lumber, I’d switch to plastic!” 

— Seth Arluck

New Hampton Lumber Co.


A price index of lumber and panels used in actual construction for Dec. 24, 2010 

The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), a Reston, Va.-based trade organization for manufacturers of kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, decorative laminate products, has revised the criteria for companies to attain certification under the association’s Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP).